Recently Sold (EN015)

Rivière - Estate Sterling Silver Natural Opal Necklace & Earring Parure.  This gorgeous necklace and earring set is crafted from silver, hallmarked 925 for sterling. Featuring 96 natural opal gemstones, Art Deco styling, and quality silver-work.  The necklace is comprised of a sea of opals, which surround the entire necklace.  The necklace is a linear and simple in design, which sets off the breathtaking opals beautifully.  The opals have a wonderful variation of colour play ranging from blue, green, lavender, pink and fire orange.  The opals are graduated in size, which gives the piece a more delicate feel.  The clasp on the earrings is secure and in perfect working order.  The matching earrings are also linear in design and the opals have the same amazing colour play. They have post and secure butterfly backs for pierced ears.  This Estate Art Deco Revival parure looks stunning when worn, truly a perfect gift or addition to any fine jewelry collection. 

Note: Appraisal included with the parure.  Appraised at $2800.00 CD f(Tax Excluded) for the set. 

History: A Rivière is a necklace consisting of one or more strings of linked gemstones. Usually only one of a kind gemstone is used in a rivière. Riviére jewels are borrowed from the French word river,. these pieces flow around the neck and embody the minimalism of water. 

Many cultures have credited opal with supernatural origins and powers. Arabic legends say it falls from the heavens in flashes of lightning. The ancient Greeks believed opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and guarded them from disease. Europeans have long considered the gem a symbol of hope, purity, and truth.

The first evidence of silver mining dates back to 3000 B.C., in Turkey and Greece, according to the RSC. Ancient people even figured out how to refine silver. They heated the silver ore and blew air over it, a process called cupellation.

The sterling alloy originated in continental Europe and was being used for commerce as early as the 12th century in the area that is now northern Germany. A piece of sterling silver dating from Henry II's reign was used as a standard in the Trial of the Pyx until it was deposited at the Royal Mint in 1843.

Measurements: Necklace  17 1/2 "        Earrings: 62.00 mm x 4.00 mm 

Stone Size: Opal 28.00 carats 

Weight: 34.00 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Thailand     Provenance: America 

Date: Circa 1990