34.95ctw OEC Diamond Rivière | 18ct + Sterling, 47 Stones | 17.25"

If you were a member of the aristocratic ilk in Europe during the 1840s–1860s, the only thing more valuable that you could acquire beyond title and land was your own portrait by the illustrious Franz Xaver Winterhalter. The artist moved from court to court — French, to English, to Austrian, to Polish, even Russian — rendering royal sitters in sumptuous dress to convey not only the wealth and power of his subjects, but their air and manner, often as they interacted with their intimate environments. He was a master of lace and silk, but above all, a portraitist of the signature jewel. While the pearl was en vogue, the diamond was his weapon of choice to express a shining in his subjects.

The portrait of Empress Sisi of Austria with her hair ornaments is an easy substantiation of this claim; her set of twelve five-pointed rose cut stars is synonymous with the modern memory of the Empress, while his more deep-cut works like — and — build on the beauty of the diamond as a symbol of not just power, but generational power. To see an 18th century diamond bow in the middle of the 19th century was a sign of stability.

Winterhalter painted countless strands of pearls, but I imagine that 19th century diamond rivières like the Sutherland Rivière sit proudly upon the necks of his sitters, now held captive in private collections — bearing displays of wealth too crass for public view.

This exceptional modern rivière picks up, I imagine, where imagination takes hold in the land of Winterhalter. Forty-seven Old European cut diamonds of .75ct each, totalling 34.95 carats, set in sterling silver over 18ct gold in the manner of the great mid-19th century French rivières. The sterling top was the choice of the period's finest houses — it gave the white metal contrast that made diamonds appear to float, years before platinum existed to do the same work. Made to measure by our lapidary, in M/N colour and VS1–SI1 clarity. Each stone was chosen for its early to mid 19th century spirit. This is not a necklace for every room — it is a necklace for the right room.

Details

• Style: Mid-19th century / Winterhalter portrait manner
• Materials: Sterling silver top, 18ct gold
• Stones: 47 Old European cut diamonds, 34.95ctw | .75ct per stone | M/N colour, VS1–SI1 clarity | hand cut by our lapidary
• Length: 17.25"
• Setting: Hand-finished sterling collets, hand set by our bench
• Clasp: Extra-secure clasp
• Certificate: Custom paperwork for collection or insurance available by request!

This rivière is a modern-made treasure with L/M/N colour diamonds of VS1–SI1 clarity, each stone a beautiful OEC hand cut by our lapidary, hand set by our bench into hand-finished settings that echo back to historical craftspersonship. Matching bracelets that can be used as extenders are available by request.

Images; 

Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1805-73) - Grand Duchess Alexandra Iosifovna of Russia (1830-1911) Painted 1859

Portrait of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, Winterhalter 1863

Shipping & Services

Ships fully insured, signature required via UPS from our NYC office. Full historical certification and appraisal services available upon request with documentation and photographs. A guarantee of authenticity and insurance paperwork are available upon request for all curated items.

The Curio NYC | Fine Historical Jewels | NYC + Paris