Lavalier
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A lavalier is a type of jewelry, consisting of a pendant, sometimes with one stone, suspended from a necklace.
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[edit] General jewelry
A lavalier is named for the type of pendant popularized by the Duchesse de la Vallière, a mistress of King Louis XIV of France. Within the fashion world, the name was eventually shortened to "lavalier(e)". The lavalier can be recognized most for its drop (that usually consist of a stone and or a chandelier type of drop) which is attached to the chain and not attached by a bale.
[edit] References in popular culture
Lavaliers are mentioned in the song "Sign" from the movie musical (but not the stage musical) Annie, in the song "Roxie Hart" from the Broadway musical Chicago, in "Glitter and Be Gay" from Candide, in the TV show Greek, and in the TV show The Andy Griffith Show (episode 172).
Probably the earliest film reference is in Safety Last, in which the protagonist buys a lavalier but cannot afford the accompanying chain. Wanting his girlfriend to think him rich, he claims that the chain didn't suit him and he expects a replacement soon.
[edit] Other uses
A subset of personal microphones are also referred to as 'lavaliers', and are usually intended to clip onto the lapel at about the level of the pendant on a lavalier. They are most commonly used with a wireless pack strap on, on television and stage shows.
