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What is Lavaliere?

lavaliere

Lavaliere is a term used for brooches and necklace which have a pendant as part of the design with a dangling stone or tassel hanging below it. It was made popular by the Duchess de la Vallire, who was a mistress of King Louis XIV of France. In the jewelry world the term has been shortened to lavaliere, or lavalier. Either spelling is correct.

Pearls are commonly used as the dangling part of the pendant, but many other stones and beads are also used. I've seen lovely aurora borealis tear shaped glass stones, used in conjunction with a pendant or even brooch with dramatic effects.

Occasionally the word will be used for pendants which have dangles within a part of the design rather than below it. I have also seen two strand necklace, each with its own pendant described as a lavalier necklace. To be technically correct, there should be a dangle though, as part of the design, not just two separate pendants.

Examples of Lavaliere necklaces: (click the pictures for more detail)

To view other articles on other vintage words, please visit the word of the week archives.

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