Antique Victorian operculum shell riviere necklace silver

Era: Victorian 1837-1901
Metal: Silver tested
Gemstones: Operculum graduated 13-20mm
Weight: 46.2 grams
Length: 39cm 15.4 inches
 
What a superb Victorian necklace! The silver has a lovely warm tone, with the patina of many years.
 
The operculum shells are in good antique condition, with some very minor age appropriate surface wear. The Victorians believed that the operculum shell would ward off ‘evil eye’ curses and bring good luck. It is a shell found mostly in Australia, Tahiti and Fiji and much prized as with all exotic things in those days. The backs are just as intriguing as the fronts! A divine statement necklace.