A Stunning Victorian Old Cut Cushion Diamond Riviere Necklace

A beautiful Victorian rivière diamond necklace c.1860s set with forty old mine cushion cut in silver cut down collets backed with gold, the graduated diamonds estimated to weigh a combined total of approximately 25cts, to a concealed diamond set tongue and box clasp. This necklace is beautifully articulated and feels wonderfully silky and fluid. The diamonds are bright and lively and have been nicely graduated in a continual tapering from front to back. The rivière necklace was an extremely popular design in the 18th and 19th centuries and was made from both diamonds and coloured stones, in both uniform and graduated rows. The name translates literally as ‘river’ which perfectly alludes to the way these rows of stones would ripple around the base of the throat when worn. They were a favourite with Royalty and courtiers both in Europe and further afield and were often worn in multiples to emphasise wealth and status.  This necklace is a lovely example of its kind and even hides a little secret.  The central twenty stones are all linked via pigtail loops meaning they can be detached to shorten the necklace at will or perhaps convert it to a bracelet. This is a lovely extra feature that increases the versatility of the piece and offers a way to make sure it fits you absolutely perfectly.