A superb late eighteenth century riviere of Portuguese origin, featuring variously cut chrysoberyl set closed-back and foiled in silver cut-down collets, forming an elegant garland with alternating floral clusters, finished with a modern spring ring clasp and safety chain, length 16.5 in, 57 grams, circa 1770. 

Eighteenth century Portuguese jewelry reached a zenith of excellence and attractiveness hitherto unparalleled. Certain distinctive patterns are observed, particularly the girandole, named for an ornamental branched candlestick, consisting of three drops suspended from a decorative central piece. Some pieces were set with colored stones such as chrysoberyl, topaz, and amethyst, while others were set with paste or colorless crystals, known in Portugal as 'minas novas.' The stones are often magnificently varied in size and shape, and these pieces are rare and highly prized by knowledgeable collectors.