Antique Edwardian Sterling Silver Uranium Paste Open Back Bezel Riviere Necklace

Rare necklace probably a little earlier than i have placed it in as i have had these with Patent marks for the 1890s. The necklace is in the riviere design which has been around for centuries and will be around for a couple more as it is a design that has never been bettered.

The beautiful square hand cut glass crystals are in a beautiful warm honey shade to emulate citrines but even when you look at them in the gloom there is an extra dimension to the light with yellow tones in the facets. They are table cut to the fronts with a point to the reverse. Paste necklaces were made so that they could be worn in safety when making journies and so on so that the real jewels were not in danger from'footpads'.

They were therefore made to look very much like the real jewels with all the care taken in the cutting. They are set open back into individual Sterling Silver settings so that the light can flood in to make the most of that golden colour and the precise facets and are claw set for safety. Each setting is linked to the next with a strong soldered elongated link so they are secure and also hang beautifully around the neck. The necklace fastens with a secure ring bolt clasp. When a UV light is shone on them the crystals glow a vivid lime green due to the presence of Uranium in the glass.

The quantity is too little to be dangerous there being more uranium in the average banana! I have had to lighten the third image as it was very dark and the colour in real life is lime with no blue tones. My camera does not seem to read the colours the same as in real life sometimes hopefully a new camera for Christmas!

The necklace is not marked for Sterling Silver which is not unusual for this time and weight. It was carefully checked by my Jeweller many moons ago as i have had this one for a very long time and could not bring myself to put it out for sale. It is guaranteed to be Sterling Silver. The pastes are app 10 mm square which is a wonderful large size.

Two of them have a flea bite to a corner and one is not as pointy as it should be but these tiny defects do not take away from the beauty of this rare piece. The silver is in wonderful condition i have never even polished it. A beautiful gift to someone you love or for yourself to treasure always..

It will come boxed in a box slightly larger than shown as i have not had time to take a photo of the larger boxes. Most pieces are also listed elsewhere so first come first served. Any boxes, mannequins or fabrics are for display only. Everything is photographed in natural light with a flash.

We do not enhance colours but there could be difference between browsers etc. Posting days are on TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS. A bit about me : i worked for many years in the Antiques Trade specialising first in antique clothing and Textiles and then i specialised in Art Deco and Art Nouveau, generally glass and sculpture and metal ware. I appeared on TV a few times as an Expert, served on Vetting Committees and so on.

I try to follow the Reiki precepts one of which is'To earn an honest living'. Thank you for visiting Jewel Box.

The item "ANTIQUE EDWARDIAN STERLING SILVER URANIUM PASTE OPEN BACK BEZEL RIVIERE NECKLACE" is in sale since Wednesday, December 9, 2020. This item is in the category "Jewellery & Watches\Vintage & Antique Jewellery\Vintage Costume Jewellery\Edwardian (1901-1910)". The seller is "jewel*box" and is located in Caernarfon. This item can be shipped worldwide.

Style/ Period: Edwardian Art Deco
Modified Item: No
Main Material/ Metal: STERLING SILVER
Theme: Downton Gatsby Special Romantic Gift
Type: Necklace
Beads/ Stones: Cut Glass Crystal
Main Colour: Honey Citrine Yellow Amber