15ct Gold Lavalier Necklace
A 15ct gold lavalier necklace brings fluid Edwardian and Victorian drops set with gems to the neckline.
15ct Gold Lavalier Necklace
A 15ct gold lavalier necklace combines a delicate chain with a suspended drop pendant, often featuring articulated sections that move with the wearer. These pieces span the Victorian and Edwardian eras, with a strong representation of Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts designs.
The primary form you encounter on this page is the pendant necklace, alongside convertible pendant brooches that offer versatile wear. Gemstones such as amethyst, peridot, aquamarine, and seed pearls dominate the drops, frequently arranged in symmetrical clusters or flowing floral motifs.
How they were made
Goldsmiths constructed these jewels using solid 15ct yellow gold, hammering, wire-working, and casting delicate bezels and collets to secure the stones. Seed pearls were meticulously drilled and threaded or pegged onto fine gold pins, while larger coloured gemstones were claw-set or bezel-set to catch the light.
Artistic movements dictated the assembly, resulting in the whiplash curves of Art Nouveau or the linear, handcrafted integrity typical of Arts and Crafts workshops. Platinum additions appear on later Edwardian mounts, reflecting the transition toward whiter, lighter metals for gemstone settings.
Listings feature 15ct gold alongside Edwardian, Victorian, and Art Nouveau styles, incorporating amethyst, peridot, aquamarine, and seed pearls.
What varies in quality
The distinction between ordinary and exceptional pieces lies in the precision of the goldsmith's openwork and the harmony of the gem selection. Superior examples display balanced proportions in their cascading drops, where every seed pearl matches in lustre and every coloured stone possesses a vibrant, clean saturation.
Maker attribution and the inclusion of original boxes elevate a piece, as do complex, multi-tiered drops that require advanced articulation. Pieces showing heavy solder repairs or poorly matched replacement stones sit at the lower end of the spectrum.
Murrle Bennett·Hamilton & Co
The 15ct Gold Lavalier Necklace Glossary
- Lavalier
- A pendant necklace featuring one or more dangling drops suspended from a central link or chain. This style gained immense popularity during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods.
- Seed pearl
- A very small, naturally formed pearl, often less than two millimetres in diameter. Goldsmiths clustered them tightly to create luminous floral and geometric textures.
- Collet
- A small metal collar or band that encircles a gemstone to hold it securely in place. Fine collet work is a hallmark of quality period jewellery.
- Art Nouveau
- An artistic style characterised by flowing, organic lines and asymmetrical plant motifs. Jewels from this movement often incorporate whipped wirework and soft-hued gems.
- Arts and Crafts
- A design movement emphasising hand-craftsmanship and visible maker signatures over mass production. Pieces from this circle favour bold, honest metalwork and selected cabochon stones.
15ct Gold Lavalier Necklace: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lavalier necklace?
A lavalier necklace is a pendant style featuring a suspended drop that hangs below the main neckline chain. These pieces typically incorporate swinging, articulated elements designed to move gracefully.
Originating around the turn of the twentieth century, the design draws on Edwardian and Art Nouveau aesthetics, frequently pairing 15ct gold with pearls and coloured stones.
How do I date these necklaces?
Dating relies on stylistic clues, gold standards, and construction techniques found in the mounting. Victorian pieces often lean towards heavier yellow gold and dense seed pearl work, whereas Edwardian and Art Nouveau examples introduce flowing plant motifs and occasional platinum accents.
The use of 15ct gold itself serves as a helpful indicator, as British hallmarks and testing commonly reflect this specific alloy during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Can I wear a pendant brooch?
Many period pieces function as both a pendant and a brooch via a concealed hinged pin and a fold-down loop on the reverse. This dual functionality was standard practice for jewellers of the era.
You can thread the piece onto a chain for the neckline or secure it directly to clothing as a brooch without altering the mount.
How do I care for my necklace?
Gentle handling is essential due to the delicate seed pearls and fine gold wirework typical of these drops. Avoid exposing pearls to harsh chemical cleaners, ultrasonic baths, or prolonged moisture.
Store the necklace flat in a lined box to prevent the fine chains from kinking and to protect the dangling elements from pressure.