Amethyst Lavalier Pendant
An amethyst lavalier pendant brings together deep purple quartz and delicate suspended drops, offering wearable Edwardian and Victorian design that collectors prize.
Amethyst Lavalier Pendant
An amethyst lavalier pendant is a pendant necklace featuring a central purple quartz stone with a dangling drop element, commonly found in Edwardian and Victorian styles. These pieces often incorporate seed pearls or diamonds alongside the main gemstone.
The version most frequently met on this page is the Edwardian gold lavalier, often styled with Art Nouveau curves or foliate motifs. They showcase the characteristic light drop construction typical of the period.
The evidence shows examples dating from the late nineteenth century through to the early twentieth century, spanning Victorian, Edwardian, and Arts and Crafts movements. Silver settings also appear alongside 9ct and 15ct gold.
Materials and construction
Goldsmiths utilised 9ct and 15ct yellow and rose gold, alongside silver, to mount the amethysts and secondary stones. These metals were shaped into delicate wirework frames typical of the Art Nouveau and Edwardian periods.
Gemstone setting combined claw-set amethysts with seed pearls and occasionally peridots or old cut diamonds. Seed pearls were frequently threaded or half-drilled and pegged onto delicate gold stems.
Some Edwardian pieces hide tiny seed pearls that wobble gently with every step you take.
Assessing quality
Quality rests upon the weight and purity of the gold mount, moving from lower-carat or silver settings up to substantial 15ct gold work. The saturation and clarity of the central amethyst further divide standard commercial output from finer examples.
Intricacy of design separates pieces, with flowing Art Nouveau wirework and balanced drop configurations demanding greater skill from the jeweller. The inclusion of matched seed pearls or additional diamonds elevates the overall standard.
S. Blanckensee & Son·Hamilton & Co
The Amethyst Lavalier Pendant Glossary
- Lavalier
- A pendant necklace featuring one or more suspended drops hanging from a central motif. This style became particularly popular during the Edwardian era.
- Seed pearl
- A very small, naturally occurring or cultured pearl used to accent jewellery designs. They are often arranged in floral or geometric clusters around a central gemstone.
- Art Nouveau
- A style of art and jewellery popular in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, characterised by fluid, organic lines and stylised natural forms.
- Cabochon
- A gemstone shaped and polished with a smooth, convex surface rather than faceted. This cut highlights the rich colour of the amethyst.
- Suffragette
- jewellery incorporating violet, white, and green stones, representing the colours of the Women's Social and Political Union. Amethysts provide the violet component in these pieces.
Amethyst Lavalier Pendant: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an amethyst lavalier pendant?
An amethyst lavalier pendant is a necklace featuring a central purple amethyst stone with a dangling drop component. These pieces are strongly associated with Edwardian and Victorian jewellery design.
They combine gold or silver settings with delicate hanging elements, often enhanced by seed pearls, peridots, or small diamonds.
How do I date an antique pendant?
Dating relies on the stylistic clues, materials, and construction techniques visible in the piece. Edwardian examples often feature airy gold wirework and platinum accents, while Victorian pieces can be heavier and incorporate foliate motifs.
Maker marks and gold purity stamps, such as 9ct or 15ct, also help establish the era of manufacture.
Were these pendants worn daily?
These pendants were designed for formal or everyday wear by women during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Their lightweight construction made them comfortable for regular use.
Many survive today housed in their original presentation boxes, indicating they were treated as cherished personal possessions.
What metals were used for these pendants?
Goldsmiths primarily used 9ct and 15ct yellow and rose gold to set these amethysts. Silver and occasional higher purity gold settings also appear in the historical record.
Metal choice often reflects the period and the specific design requirements of the jeweller.