rivière

A woman wears a beautiful rivière to the evening gala.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A necklace of precious stones: "rivière" refers to a necklace composed of a single strand of gemstones, typically diamonds, that are set in a continuous row and often graduated in size.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She wore a stunning diamond rivière to the gala. (A necklace of diamonds set in a single strand.)
  • The antique rivière was valued at over a million dollars. (A historical necklace of precious stones.)

Advanced Usage

• "Rivière necklace": a more specific term for a necklace of this style, though "rivière" alone suffices.

  • The jeweler displayed a rivière necklace with emeralds. (A necklace with a continuous row of gemstones.)

• "Graduated rivière": a rivière where the stones decrease in size from the center outward.

  • Her graduated rivière featured a large central diamond. (A necklace with stones arranged by decreasing size.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rivière (loanword): borrowed from French, where it means "river," referring to the flowing, continuous line of gems.
  • The term "rivière" is used in English exclusively for jewelry. (A word of French origin with a specialized meaning.)

Synonyms

• Necklace: a general term for any ornamental chain or strand worn around the neck.
• Choker: a close-fitting necklace, though not necessarily with gemstones.
• Pendant necklace: a necklace with a single hanging ornament, distinct from a rivière's continuous row.

Related Idioms