Important Note: This piece is part of our newly sourced London collection. Shipping timeline is 3–4 weeks. We offer free shipping and no customs charges within India. For international shipping, please write to us.
 
The Legacy Collection - Rare vintage jewels, handpicked to be treasured for generations.
 
Step into an era of architectural lines and luminous glamour with this 1930s German crystal open-back Riviére necklace, a breathtaking relic of the Art Deco age. Nearly 100 years old, and yet every facet of its hand-cut crystals catches the light with a brilliance that rivals fine diamonds — a testament to the unmatched artistry of German craftsmanship from that era.  
 
Meticulously set in open-back mounts, each crystal is designed to let light pass through and dance freely, creating an effect so luminous that can rival that of real diamond's. These pieces are far from ordinary. German crystal jewellery from the 1920s and 1930s has become a cult collectible, admired by connoisseurs for its precision, durability, and breathtaking sparkle that has defied time itself.
 
Why This Necklace Is So Rare & Coveted
The Riviére style — a “river” of gems encircling the neck — was a hallmark of fine jewellery in the early 20th century, and reached a height of popularity in the Art Deco era.
German makers of the 1920s–30s mastered open-back crystal settings, allowing maximum light to pass through each gem, producing an effect of dazzling brilliance.
By the mid-century, production of true open-back crystal Riviéres largely ceased, making surviving examples extremely rare and highly sought after among collectors.
Today, on premier vintage and antique platforms, comparable Art Deco paste or crystal Riviére necklaces often fetch USD $600–$800+ (≈ £450–£600) for good-condition pieces.  (Check website here: https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/necklaces/choker-necklaces/antique-art-deco-paste-riviere-necklace-1920s/id-v_26430952/)
More elaborate or historically significant versions can reach much higher prices. 
Even modern vintage-style crystal Rivières (e.g. from Jennifer Gibson Jewellery check website here: https://www.jennifergibsonjewellery.com/product/antique-crystal-riviere-necklace/) trade at prices in the low to mid hundreds of dollars, reflecting the enduring appeal of the style. 
Given that very few true open-back German Rivières still exist in such luminous condition, this necklace stands as both a wearable treasure and an investment in design history.
 
✧ Alloy & Non-Tarnish Brilliance
One of the secrets to its long-lasting shine lies in its alloy mix, typically incorporating nickel alongside base metals. That nickel content acts as a defense against oxidation and corrosion, helping the metal settings remain bright and resist tarnish over decades. In effect, the metal structure becomes a steadfast frame for the crystals, preserving their purity and sparkle while requiring minimal maintenance.
 
✧ A Glimpse of Art Deco Geometry
This piece exudes the hallmark symmetry and geometry of the Art Deco epoch. Its gradated crystal sizes cascade with purposeful rhythm, evoking a sense of architectural harmony. Every facet is calibrated to catch and refract light — a dance of brilliance that feels modern even today.
 
✧ Styling & Wearability
Pair it with a crisp white blouse or tailored blazer for daytime elegance — it adds refined sparkle without overwhelming your look.
Against an evening gown or little black dress, it becomes the centerpiece: luminous, refined, and wonderfully understated compared to bulky diamond jewels.
Because it is crystal (rather than real diamond), you can wear it more freely without the constant care, weight, or anxiety of loose stones. It gives you the look and feel of fine jewellery, with a relaxed confidence.
For layering, try a delicate chain or slender pendant underneath so the Riviére remains the star.
 
✧ Collector Appeal & Legacy
Collectors of German crystal jewellery form a passionate and discerning community. Many focus specifically on open-back Riviéres, because these pieces represent a peak of technical and aesthetic refinement. Owning one places you among the keepers of a vanishing art. As fewer of these necklaces survive, their value and prestige increase.
 
They were once produced in limited numbers, often as high-end “diamond alternatives” during periods when fine gemstones were less accessible. Now, when expert dealers and auction houses list true open-back German pieces, they command a mixture of scholarly interest and luxury demand.
 
Call to Action
Don’t let this be another lost heirloom. This necklace is not merely jewellery — it’s a fragment of 1930s luminous design, frozen in time yet full of life. Let it grace your neck, ignite every glance, and become a treasure you pass on — not because you must, but because beauty like this demands to be loved, worn, and preserved.
 
- c. 1930s
- German crystals and alloy mixed nickel
- In excellent vintage condition. No defect or damage or damage. Please see close up video for quality assurance.
- Measures: 42 cm long
- Sourced from a coveted vintage fair in London, UK