Antique Amethyst and Gold Riviére Necklace and Earrings Suite, Circa 1880

An antique amethyst and gold riviére necklace and earrings suite, with large, oval faceted, graduated amethysts, in open backed decorative, trefoil design, gallery strip bezel settings, with curved cross and ball links between the amethysts, with a gold box and tongue clasp, with matching drop earrings, on gold wires, circa 1880. Estimated total weight of amethysts in the necklace 259.99 carats and in the earrings 28.22 carats.

Some of the earliest examples of amethyst jewellery are seen in works from Egypt. The ancient Greeks believed amethyst protected them from drunkenness and excess. The name derives from the Greek amethystos - "methustos" meaning intoxicated, with the prefix "a" meaning "not". It is thought the myth stems from the story of the titan Rhea giving Dionysus, the god of wine and madness, an amethyst to protect him. Amethyst is also known as the stone of St. Valentine, leading to the belief that it represented pure, chaste love. Until the 1700s Amethyst was seen as one of the cardinal gemstones, which were the most valuable gems and ranked in value amongst sapphire, ruby and emerald. It was especially popular during the Victorian period, with its rich purple colour and clarity being particularly effective in candlelight. Today its beautiful, vivid purple shades are highly sought after by gem collectors.

With thanks to Laura Preshong and First Class Watches.