What is a lavaliere necklace?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
A lavaliere is a delicate necklace from which a single ornament or gemstone hangs at the centre of a fine chain. The term comes from the French and became fashionable in the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, when light, airy necklaces set with seed pearls, diamonds and coloured stones were at their height. Many lavalieres feature a small suspended stone that hangs freely and moves as the wearer does. The style is closely associated with Art Nouveau and Edwardian jewellery, where the drops were often shaped as leaves, flowers or insects.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a lavaliere and a pendant necklace?
- A lavaliere is a specific style of pendant necklace, usually very delicate, with a freely hanging central ornament on a fine chain. The word pendant covers any drop attached to a chain, while lavaliere implies the light, refined aesthetic of the Edwardian period.
- What era did lavalieres come from?
- They were most fashionable during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, roughly the 1880s through to the 1910s, and the style carried on into Art Deco jewellery of the 1920s. Platinum chains and delicate stone settings are characteristic of the period.
- Are lavalieres still made today?
- Yes, the style continues in fine jewellery as delicate single-drop pendants, which are timeless for their lightness and elegance. Antique and vintage lavalieres are also popular collectables.
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