Rivière necklace

A rivière necklace consists of a continuous line of individually set stones forming a flowing band around the neck. The French name refers to a river. Stones are often graduated, with the largest towards the centre front. The term describes construction rather than a particular jeweller or a guarantee of materials.

Documented examples illustrate this distinction. The Danish Royal Collection's rivière has diamonds in silver settings. Colonial Williamsburg holds an older necklace of the same type with colourless glass imitations in gilded silver. The design name therefore does not mean that every stone is a diamond.

Assessment should cover each stone, setting and connection, as well as the clasp and any changes in length. Record whether the sequence is consistent or individual stones and links differ. Materials and date require separate evidence from examination, marks and provenance. A replacement clasp can be important for use without dating the whole necklace. Avoid cleaning methods that assume unidentified stones and settings tolerate identical treatment.

Sources: Det danske kongehuset: The Rivière; Colonial Williamsburg: Necklace 1954-285.