An important antique diamond rivière

Composed of fifty-five graduated and numbered collet-set old-cut diamonds, each of which is detachable, collet number 53 deficient, mounted in silver and gold, circa 1860, 78.5 cm long - Price Realized: £481,250  ($944,694)

Literature: Cf. Diana Scarisbrick, Ancestral Jewels, André Deutsch Ltd, London, frontispiece

Lot Notes: Diamond rivieres were 'de rigeur' during the mid 19th Century and the above example is quite exceptional. Not only does it consist of 55 numbered collets which range from one to ten carats, but also each collet is detachable thereby allowing the owner to wear the necklace at any desired length, as a bracelet or even as ear pendants. The overall quality of the stones is above average, and they are, as one would expect, mounted in silver and gold. However it is the length, 74 cm. that is outstanding and it is fortunate that the necklace has not been adapted or shortened as is so often the case with antique jewellery

Christie's London. Jewels - The London Sale. 11 june 2008