Antique Art Deco Hand-Faceted Natural Rock Crystal Sterling Rivière Necklace 15

  
An absolute masterpiece of mid-Art Deco craftsmanship. This genuine, bench-crafted Riviere ("river of gems") necklace features brilliant, water-clear natural rock crystal quartz stones individually housed in open-backed sterling silver collet settings. Unlike the mass-produced molded glass costume jewelry of the era, this is a premium, artisan-made piece showcasing stunning historical lapidary work. 100% Natural, Earth-mined Rock Crystal Quartz (Tested & verified: ice-cold to the touch, entirely bubble-free, and exhibits genuine natural mineral UV fluorescence). Early hand-faceted cuts featuring flat tables (tops) and deep, pointed pavilions (bottoms). Because these were hand-ground on a lapidary wheel nearly a century ago to follow the organic crystal growth, the facets possess charming, slight unevenness. This gives the strand an organic, light-catching dance that modern machine-cuts cannot duplicate. The stones are remarkably crisp with virtually zero surface abrasions, scratches, or flea bites-a true rarity for an heirloom of this age. Settings: Every single stone is securely gripped in an open-back silver bezel (collet) with low, delicate hand-wrapped prongs, allowing maximum light to flood the quartz.

Every individual collet link is hand-stamped with a microscopic registered silversmith's cartouche: "JP" inside a sharp rectangle. This signature, repeated on every single link, is the definitive mark of high-end guild or bench-silversmith work. Metal Purity: Stamped "STG" on the connecting tab, the historical Commonwealth abbreviation for solid Sterling Silver. Clasp: Features its original, period-correct "thumbless / nibless" spring-ring clasp (sliding wire sleeve mechanism), placing its manufacture securely in the 1930s. Stone Size: 8.6 mm.

925 Sterling Silver, has been stored in environemental safe storage and wiped occaisionally with Sunshine cloth. Comes insured in a velvet gift box. Please see my shop for many other unique vintage items.