Art Nouveau Peridot and Pearl Lavalier Necklace

Named after the Duchess Louise de La Vallière, a mistress of French King Louis XIV, lavalier necklaces have been loved and sought after for centuries.

Sleek and sensual, these finely crafted pendants often culminate with a single pearl or a glistening gemstone drop -- reminiscent of a tear running off the cheek, or a drop of dew on the tip of a leaf.

This wonderfully curvaceous Belle Époque era pendant is crafted in 15k yellow gold and dotted with delicate natural seed pearls and millegrain detailing. The shape is reminiscent of two trumpet flowers tangled in a vine.

Mounted in the center of the pendant is a beautiful round faceted peridot that glistens in the light. Dangling from the bottom of the pendant is another striking teardrop shaped peridot.

A favorite among ancient Egyptians and Turkish sultans, peridot was believed to protect the wearer against all evil spirits as well as banish evil thoughts and even dissolve enchantments. However, in order to unleash the stone's full protective and magical powers, it must be set in gold.

Peridot jewelry reached the height of its popularity during the late Victorian Aesthetic Period between 1885 and 1901, which is exactly when this jaw dropping necklace was made.

Pendant comes with a 14k gold chain.