White Wedding - Vintage Signed Sherman Rhodium Plated Austrian Swarovski Crystal Rhinestone Necklace & Earring Set With The Original Box (VN148)

White Wedding  - Vintage Signed Sherman Rhodium Plated Austrian Swarovski Crystal Rhinestone Necklace & Earring Set With The Original Box. This gorgeous set is crafted from Rhodium Plate, signed SHERMAN. Featuring round cut Austrian Swarovski crystal gemstones, vintage styling, and high quality craftsmanship.  This stunning Sherman set is made in the Edwardian style. The design is called a fringe necklace and earrings, which allows for wonderful movement when walking or dancing. The beautiful rhinestones sparkle like diamonds, because of the high quality Swarovski crystals. The necklace is adjustable so you can adjust it to your desired length. The earrings are for pierced and non pierced ears, and feature secure clip-on backings. This vintage set would make a perfect wedding heirloom or special occasion parure. These Sherman sets are becoming more rare, especially in the original box. 

History: Centuries ago, quartz pebbles with a high lead content were found sparkling on the banks of Europe's Rhine River. These beautiful, natural stones were highly coveted and were eventually depleted, inspiring jewelers to create an imitation, aptly named the "rhinestone."

Swarovski crystals were first invented in 1895 by Austrian jeweler Daniel Swarovski. The crystals contain more than 30% lead, making for a harder, more reflective, higher quality stone. Swarovski crystals revolutionized the industry, using proprietary technology to cut faceted stones.

Gustave Sherman was one of Canada's finest costume jewellery designers. He began his company in Montreal, Canada, in 1941 - 1981, producing high end, quality costume jewellery. He used only the best Swarovski stones, crystal beads and findings. He favoured aurora borealis coatings and long marquise cut stones.

Rhodium was discovered in 1803 by William Wollaston. He collaborated with Smithson Tennant in a commercial venture, part of which was to produce pure platinum for sale. The first step in the process was to dissolve ordinary platinum in aqua regia (nitric acid + hydrochloric acid).

Rhodium has been used as a coating for jewelry and silverware since the 1930s. It was also used as a plating for cigarette lighters and writing instruments during that time. One of the many companies that used rhodium plating was the Ronson Lighter Company, which produced many art-deco style items in the 30s.

Measurements: Necklace 15" - 16 1/2"       Earrings 43.00 mm x 10.00 mm 

Stone Size: Swarovski Crystal Rhinestones 3.00mm each 

Weight: Necklace 27.50 grams.    Earrings 7.90 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Canada, Montreal

Date: Circa 1950