RARE Joan Rivers Bohemian Czech Glass Silvertone 31” Torsade 12 Strand Necklace. I purchased this necklace many years ago and I think it’s vintage. The necklace is new and has been stored in my climate controlled smoke free home since purchasing. It can be worn long or doubled to a shorter length. This is a necklace that changes colors depending on the light. It is light and dark grey in dim light and turns to crystal, purple, black,and iridescent in bright light. The small round shaped Bohemian Czech glass beads were made and strung by hand by artisan. Bohemia, currently a part of Czech Republic, is known worldwide for its beautiful and colorful glass work. Bohemian glass starts with an abundant of natural resources found in the countryside. This is a popular glass because it contains no lead, unlike other blown glass. During the 17th century, Czech became the dominant producer of decorative glassware. It’s glass art in household products and jewelry became as prestigious as fine metal jewelry and was sought after by the wealthy and the aristocracy at the time. Bohemia became known for its expert craftsmanship in cutting and engraving glass during this era. Family craftsmanship has been handed down from generation to generation but now many of the manufacturing plants have been closed because younger generations have sought other options. The beads in this necklace are called seed or “druk” beads. Druk beads are small glass beads with threading holes that are strung to make beautiful colored necklaces. Joan Rivers was known for using her expensive jewelry as a model for her brand line jewelry. It is understandable that she would use the finest of glass beads for this necklace. You will feel like Royalty wearing this beautiful necklace that can become a family gem to be handed down to the next generation.