If you were familiar with 19th century opal history, you would know that this rivière was made before opals fell out of favor in 1829, the year that Sir Walter Scott published his novel, Anne of Geierstein. In his book an opal amulet is blamed for being the cause of the protagonist’s untimely death. Printed books were the source of great interest and amusement, and they were sold far and wide, in a 19th century version of going viral. So beginning in 1829, this opal story would have been enough to make opal jewelry seem almost radioactive.

Prior to 1829, opal jewelry was coveted and even the paste version, called opaline, was highly sought after. This is a rare survival of a graduated rivière, with marble-like cabochon opals set in gold collets and with a removable drop. Emily surely hopes that its original owner did not read Scott’s book, and she continued to wear this beauty with nothing but positive associations!

After falling in love with Georgian opaline jewelry, Emily was thrilled to find an actual opal rivière. Whether you are an antique jewelry collector, historian, or literary buff, or all three, this piece belongs around your neck.

Ca 1810