Aurora Borealis rivière necklace / Vintage 1950s Crystal Necklace / Choker Necklace

This spectacular vintage necklace will have your sparkling. The rivière necklace is made of aurora borealis crystals which seem to change colours as you move and turn..

The rivière necklace, which gained popularity in the mid-to-late-1700s, takes its name from the French word for "river," alluding to how the stones flow around the neck. These pieces feature very little metal work, highlighting a cache of gemstones that may be uniform in size or graduated.

This necklace has crystals that graduate from the end to the center and back again. The back of the necklace is a vintage hook closure, and all parts of the necklace are original and in great condition, considering it's age.

The metal is silver in tone, but does not test as silver. The largest crystals measure 11mm in diameter. The smallest measure 5mm.

Aurora Borealis is a special finish which was applied to rhinestones and beads in the early 1950's to make them appear more radiant. The finish was given the name Aurora Borealis, taken from the phenomena sometimes seen in the skies of Northern countries known as the Northern Lights.

The same rainbows of colour can also be seen radiating from a glass rhinestone or bead that has been treated with this famous coating. During the early years of the 1900's, Swarovski's exclusive process of cutting and polishing crystal had a strong effect on design.

The fashion world and experts in crystal began a mutually beneficial creative collaboration. Around the middle of the 1950's Christian Dior turned to Manfred Swarovski, grandson of the founder of Swarovski, when he was searching for a new style for crystal and jewellery to complement his New Look--delicately feminine clothes for the new woman of a new era. Where fancy stones and chatons were popular suddenly cut beads became the in thing.

This necklace will be a great addition to your collection, no matter if you're looking for a great evening look or just to dress up jeans.