Edwardian Lavalier Necklace
An Edwardian lavalier necklace brings a delicate drop and fluid grace to the neckline, combining period craftsmanship with gemstone elegance.
Edwardian Lavalier Necklace
Pieces from this period range from lighter 9ct gold and silver settings to more substantial 15ct and 18ct gold mounts framing amethysts, peridots, and aquamarines.
Materials and construction
Goldsmiths utilised 9ct, 15ct, and 18ct yellow or rose gold alongside platinum and silver to build delicate, openwork wire frames.
Gemstones including amethysts, peridots, aquamarines, and diamonds were secured alongside natural seed pearls and cultured pearls using fine claw settings and granulation.
Edwardian Lavalier Necklace Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for edwardian lavalier necklace among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Several pieces double as brooches, offering versatile Victorian and Edwardian ladies two ways to pin down their daily look.
What separates individual examples
The purity of the gold and the presence of platinum elevate certain items, alongside the quality and matching of the seed pearls and central stones.
The intricacy of the metalwork, particularly hand-pierced Art Nouveau motifs and balanced drop designs, distinguishes finer workshop output.
S. Blanckensee & Son·Hamilton & Co
The Edwardian Lavalier Necklace Glossary
- Lavalier
- A pendant necklace featuring one or more suspended drops hanging below the main chain or collar line. This style gained immense popularity during the early twentieth century.
- Seed pearl
- A very small, naturally formed or cultured pearl, often un-drilled or half-drilled, utilised in clusters and floral borders on Edwardian jewellery. They add a soft, luminous texture to gold and gemstone pieces.
- Art Nouveau
- A design movement characterised by flowing, organic lines, asymmetrical floral motifs, and sinuous plant forms. It heavily influenced the mountings of pendants during the late Victorian and Edwardian eras.
- Negligee necklace
- A style featuring two asymmetrical drops suspended from a central link or bar, popular in the Edwardian and late Victorian periods.
Edwardian Lavalier Necklace: Frequently Asked Questions
How were these necklaces worn originally?
These necklaces were designed as elegant neckwear for formal or evening attire, resting centrally on the collarbone or slightly lower. The characteristic drop design allowed the central gemstone to sway with movement.
Many examples were lightweight enough for daily wear during the Edwardian period, often fastened with simple barrel clasps or spring rings.
How do I care for antique pearl jewellery?
Seed pearls and cultured pearls require gentle handling because organic materials are sensitive to acids, cosmetics, and perfumes. Wipe them softly with a clean, dry cloth after wearing.
Store them separately from harder gemstones to avoid scratching the pearl surfaces and check the silk thread or metal connections periodically.
How can I tell an Edwardian piece from a Victorian one?
Edwardian jewellery often exhibits lighter, airier platinum and high-karat gold work with floral or ribbon motifs, driven by the emergence of the Art Nouveau style. Victorian pieces can be heavier, utilising robust yellow gold settings and denser geometric or romantic symbolism.
Overlap in the timeline means stylistic crossover is common, though hallmarks and gemstone cuts provide further dating clues.