Larkspur & Hawk Antique Cut Steel Rivière Ca 1830

Cut steel was an inventive material that came into popularity as the jewelry wearing population, who were attending nighttime parties all lit by candles, grew. Somehow, jewelers discovered that small pieces of faceted steel that are riveted to a metal backing, have a tone and sparkle that could easily be mistaken for rose cut diamonds in a candlelit room– a truly ingenious feat! 

The graduation and proportions of this rivière are perfect! Each disc is formed of concentric circles, making it both geometrically pleasing and strikingly modern. This is the first cut steel rivière of this scale and design that Emily has found, and she loves how it relates so well to her modern designs.

England, ca 1830