Early 19th Century Purple Paste Sterling Silver Rivière 8mm at widest point

8mm at widest point

In the very background of the scene

Holbeinesque jewelry

9mm ring face

and are dainty additions to any look or collection

Early 19th Century Purple Paste Sterling Silver Rivière 8mm at widest pointA brilliant Early 19th Century sterling silver chain featuring purple amethyst foiled paste. Foiled jewelry involves the backing of a gemstone with a metallic or non metallic sheet to improve its optical performance. Paste jewelry became most popular in the 18th century as an alternative to the expensive gems so loved by the upper class. Georges Frederic Strasse, a French jeweler, developed the rhinestone called "strass." He used bismouth and thallium