Antique Moonstone Matinée Riviere

"It is the very error of the moon; she comes more nearer earth than she was wont, and makes men mad." - William Shakespeare

Moonstone has been used in jewelry for civilizations. The Romans believed it came from the solidified rays of the moon. Both Romans and Greeks associated it with lunar deities such as Diana, Selene, Trivia and Hecate, the Queen of the Night. Known as the Traveler's Stone, it is especially protective of those who travel by night.

This Art Deco era matinée riviere is a "river" of captured moonlight that represents the pinnacle of early 20th-century celestial jewelry.  The rivière (literally "river") is a timeless design meant to represent a flowing stream of light. This example features a rhythmic sequence of hand-selected round and oval cabochon moonstones. Each stone is held in a custom-fit, open-back sterling silver bezel, allowing the gems to glow with a haunting, milky translucence that is unique to natural earth-mined moonstone. 

The necklace measures about 22.5" and weighs approximately 24.4g with replacement fastener. Wear commensurate with age and use.

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