Precious historical necklace from the period of Georgian England, made of amethysts and yellow gold 750 / 18 ct (tested and guaranteed).
This exquisite antique piece of jewellery consists of a row of oval faceted amethysts arranged in a row and complemented by eleven pendants in the centre. These pendants, which can be moved by means of small eyelets, are also set with oval or drop-shaped amethysts in a wonderful violet colour.
Due to its design, the necklace resembles a glittering river of gemstones, which is why this form of jewellery is also known as a rivière (French for river).
Amethyst - although it has been known for thousands of years - was reserved for high-ranking rulers, nobility and clergy until the 18th century and was traded together with much more valuable gemstones such as sapphires. The reason for this was the as yet undiscovered amethyst deposits in South America and South East Asia. In the context of its time of origin, around 1820, the present necklace was therefore a particularly high-quality piece of jewellery, which was also impressive due to the rarity of its setting.
All of the amethysts are set in so-called ‘collet settings’ made of 750 yellow gold, a typical Georgian form of bezel setting, which was fitted with discreet applied prongs and was often used in rivière necklaces. Many of these contemporary settings were made with a closed back, but in this necklace, the gemstones are set open at the back so that they can fully unfold their wonderful play of colour and light due to the higher incidence of light. This is referred to as an ‘à jour’ setting.
The 42 amethysts set have a total stone weight of approx. 140 carats and end in a clasp with a safety chain at the back. This has been subsequently plated with rose gold 333 / 8 ct (tested and guaranteed).
This magnificent antique necklace was created around 1820 in Georgian England and, with its classic arrangement of geometric elements, corresponds to the strict formal language of late classicism. Rivière necklaces were first worn in the 18th century and have lost none of their appeal to this day. The present piece of jewellery is unique in terms of both its design and its decoration.
Length of the necklace: 43.0 cm.
Width: 0.9 - 3.5 cm.
Dimensions of the oval amethysts: ca. 10.2 x 7.7 mm - 16.3 x 13.2 mm.
Dimensions of the amethyst drops: ca. 10.8 x 8.6 mm - 18.6 x 10.2 mm.
Weight: 59.5 grams.
Condition: Very nice historical condition, isolated repairs on the back, some amethysts attached slightly differently (some oval, some drop-shaped), freshly cleaned, see photos.
You will receive the necklace lovingly packaged (in a protective case, not one of our in-house cases) and with a certificate of authenticity.
Please note: Vintage or antique jewellery items are worn objects that may show slight signs of wear due to their history.
