Posted 6 years ago
PhilDMorris
(223 items)
Rare, Rare, Canadian Signed Sherman Alexandrite Bracelet, 1950's, Magnifique. I had word of this sometime in March of 2018, one of Sherman's most beautiful designs. I have never seen such large marquis, navettes done in Alexandrite and I had to have it. It is the only bracelet of this design and use of Alexandrite stones known to exist !!! This raises into question how many of Sherman's designs were "one ofs". Some are so rare, just seeing a picture is as close as some of will come.
This handsome and impressive bracelet dates from the late 1950's, made by the well known Canadian firm of "Sherman" designed as an almost 1 1/2" wide bracelet featuring alternating lines large and small round shaped crystals with a marquise crystal leaf alexandrite center. The bracelet is done in a series of dazzling and intense changing Alexandrite, lilac and deep purple colors, in round shaped and marquise shaped crystals set in a rhodium plated setting. Alexandrite is a very rare (and very expensive) variety of gem-quality chrysoberyl. Although most people have probably never seen a natural alexandrite, this gemstone has replaced the traditional pearl as the modern June birthstone. Alexandrite is a birthstone for June, along with pearl and moonstone. Alexandrite is also the gem for the 55th wedding anniversary.
In accordance this astonishing bracelet was bought just over 4 weeks ago and I received it April 7th, 2018. Very few bracelets Sherman made, 2 so far, use Alexandrite stones, so aquiring this one was extremely expensive. Photographing was extremely difficult to show the changes in colour as they actually look, but I am very happy with the colors in the photo being quite accurate, for that low light !~
I have this bracelet also in clear. Alexandrite is the hardest to find, and also the only other piece I have other than the other 2 bracelets in Alexandrite I have posted previously You can see the light pink stones almost beginning to show purple. This design is actually not in the Sherman book at all, so it seems it may be the only alexandrite one that exists or known about. The large Alexandrite marquis stones are in excellent condition, considering they are not available anymore, it would be expensive if not impossible to try to replace any stones.
My favourite time to view this bracelet is indoors about 5:30 in late April when there is still light, and the stones seem to be all in shades of purple, a most astonishing bracelet !~
Sweet Phil.....
It glows. Superb! Thanks for sharing it.
Beautiful rare bracelet! Love the color!!
He shoots! He scores !!
Super gorgeous alexandrite Sherman bracelet, fabulous color stones, thank you for great description & marvelous photos - the pixie is a nice backdrop!
Great post Phil. Beautiful piece!
These two were made to be together!!
Thanks Phil!!
Wow, wow, wow!!!! This is just absolutely gorgeous, a real feast for the eyes! I love the bookend as well.
Oh, Phil, the beauty!
Your first photo is art.
Glad you appreciate it Windwalker !~
Thank you Andreamw for the nice comment, much appreciated !~
Thank you Mrstyndall, love to you !~
Eileen I believe Sherman used the Alexandrite as soon as they came out so I have read, and I believe he used the man made variety on most of his bracelets, which were pricey at the time. As to your brooch, I recognized the alexandrite right away, if you have a purple based jewel piece by Sherman, it seems he used alexandrite stones more often than not.
Thanks for the wonderful comments Newfld, Radegunder, and Caperfeld, sending love to you, always.
Stunning!!
Beautiful!
Thank you betweenthe lens for reading my mind the first time I laid eyes on it !~
Thank you Karen, I appreciate that !~
wow...what a find, well done Phil...so beautiful and elegant. The second picture is perfect.
Thank you valentino97 for your wonderful comment !~
Thank you roddyq for the nice comment !~
Thank you raven3736 !~
Thank you Valentino, sending love your way.
Thanks Elizabethan and MALKEY for the loves !~
Thanks glassiegirl, I am surprised that in ordinary home light during the day it seems to retain its beautiful lavender colour. The stones may be the answer, as usually the smaller stones seem to be bluish in most costume jewellery. Apparently these stones on this one are hard to find I am told.
I'm kind of late to the party, but just want to say congrats on a beautiful and unique gemstone find! So great that it was made, and that you were able to aquire it!
Even later to this party, but WOW was it worth showing up! What a dazzler! Astonishing is the word. For those of us who love lilac/lavender/purple hues (and I'm one), merely looking at these photographs gives such a happy feeling. I can't begin to imagine how lovely it must be at 5:30 in late April, when the ambient light is perfection and you can enjoy its scintillation as it moves. Congratulations on a truly magnificent piece.
Thank you Faith, I am glad that I have this for sure !~
Thank you rhineisfine, I appreciate you !~