Description
Now reserved for S only – thank you **********************************************************************
This is truly an achingly gorgeous, high quality Victorian necklace from the 1800s, with cut-down collet set aquamarines with that “gathering” on the setting that is sumptuous. You will have seen some riviere necklaces but the quality and beauty of this example is way beyond what you usually see. Not only do we have those laboriously-worked, gorgeous settings but also each collet-set stone link is connected to the next without any silver chain or links being used in between. This way you have so many stones -65 in the necklace and 1 large stone on the concealed clasp too. and they all move freely to give such a tactile and fluid piece of jewellery. It is a beauty!
This antique necklace has open-backed natural aquamarines that are beautifully faceted and which are not uniform in colour like pastes, but which reflect the pale blue range of true aquamarines. This is clearly a special piece, as it has been crafted with a gold box (set with a large aquamarine) and a gold tongue. It has a wonderful gold hinged hook on the largest stone at the front, which sits concealed as you wear the necklace as a riviere. However, if you wish to add a pendant it flips out as a bale and you can attach a favourite pendant to it. I imagine this could be so perfect if you wish to add your own sentimental or personalised touch to this antique beauty. I can include a little hook made by a jeweller which just slots into the loop-a previous owner had an aquamarine paste stone attached to it but it is certainly not as impressive as it needs to be for this beautiful necklace. Handy to have it in case you wish to hunt for an appropriate “pendant” to add to the piece later.
The largest stone at the front of the graduated aquamarines measures approx 6mm in diameter. There are 65 stones, 66 including the stone on the concealed box clasp. All stones confirmed as aquamarines, all present and correct-amazing in itself-no damage. It measures approx 38 cm (a tiny touch under 15 inches). In remarkably wonderful condition and ready to be worn or else gifted to an extremely lucky recipient. I have found only a handful of aquamarine rivieres of this calibre, having been sold in recent years- they varied in selling price from £4,500 to £10,000 so I believe this necklace is priced well for such a quality piece from the 1800s.
I shall send in a new gift box and not the box used in the images. I will include complimentary express courier to international destinations and special delivery within the UK. Thank you.
