Victorian Peridot Paste Rivière

An early Victorian rivière necklace in the Georgian style featuring sparkling hand-faceted paste in a rare peridot-green, set in sterling silver cups. A "rivière" is a style of necklace featuring gems all of a size, or slightly graduated, set in claws or cups to form an endless chain of gleaming stones when clasped; the word itself is French for "river" (like a river of gems).

While it's not exactly certain when the style originated, necklaces of this type, usually diamond, were very popular in the 18th century and remained so through the early to mid 19th century with other gemstones employed.

DETAILS: Measuring approximately 15" long wth a 6.7 mm width. The original antique box clasp is in strong working order, so the necklace will stay securely around your neck through all manner of adventures.

CONDITION: In excellent condition with a light antique patina and subtle wear to the paste commensurate with age.

HISTORY: Paste is essentially a type of leaded glass which when hand cut resembles the brilliance and sparkle of genuine diamond, or when specially colored the glitter of rare natural gemstones like sapphire and emerald. Developed in the 18th century as an imitation of the expensive gemstone to thwart highway robbers who might make off with the jewelry of blinged out wealthy travelers, it quickly became popular in its own right for its beautiful fire.