The lavaliere - a chandelier style pendant suspended from a fine chain or cord - is named for the Duchess Louise de La Valliére, paramour of King Louis the XIV from 1661-1667. The lavaliere returned to favor after a two century hiatus during the early part of the 20th century. (Fun fact: the popularity of the necklace was purportedly revived after being famously worn by French actress, Eugénie Marie Pascaline Fenoglio, who took her stage name, Ève Lavallière, after the style of necklace). This seed pearl-studded pendant is fashioned in 14k gold with a single old European cut diamond punctuating the center and three pendant baroque pearls.
MATERIALS: 14k gold (marked), .17ct old European cut diamond, seed pearls, baroque pearls, new 14k gold chain
AGE: c. 1900
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: 1 3/8" length including the bale, 5/8" width, 18" chain.