Recently Sold (VBR311)

Violets & Lilacs - Vintage Signed 'Sherman' Austrian Swarovski Crystal Rhinestone Flower Brooch.  This lovely brooch is crafted from a Rhodium Plate over metal.  The brooch features numerous Swarovski marquise, and round cut rhinestones, vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. Here is a splendid brooch from the Canadian jewelry manufacturer Sherman. Sherman is known from the quality of their workmanship and the quality of the stones they used. This brooch is made in the form of a flower, and features wonderful lively stones with beautiful deep purple and lilac coloured gems. The stones are all prong set in silver tone metal.  The back of the brooch is signed Sherman. The pin mechanism is in perfect working order. Truly a wonderful Vintage Sherman to add to any collection. 

Comments: Rare example in extraordinary condition. 

History: Gustave Sherman designed and manufactured some of the highest quality and most beautiful fine costume jewelry in Canada, if not the world. Even though he had no schooling in business or jewelry-making, Gustave founded his Montreal manufacturing company, Sherman Costume Jewelry, in 1947.

1895: The Swarovski company is founded in Wattens, Austria. Daniel Swarovski and his partners were seeking a new business location and this small town offered advantages: distance from imitators, good transport to Paris and possibility of using hydroelectric power.

Rhinestones which are also known as diamantes or paste date back as far as the thirteenth century where they were first made from Czechoslovakian or Bohemian hand blown glass. The term rhinestone came along later, when rock crystals were discovered in and around the shores of the river Rhine in Austria.

Initially, the primary application of rhodium involved its use as a catalyst rather than in jewellery plating. It was only in the 1930s that the concept of rhodium plating emerged, paving the way for its integration into the jewellery industry by the 1950s.

Measurements: Brooch 65.00 mm x 65.00 mm 

Stone Size: Swarovski Crystal (Marquise)  9.00 mm x 4.00 mm    (Round) 2.00 mm - 3.50 mm 

Weight: 28.30 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Canada 

Date: Circa 1950