gir·an·dole | ˈjir-ən-ˌdōl
noun
A shape that consists of three pear-shaped stones (or pearls) hanging from a large stone or decorative motif, such as a bow
A girandole refers to a specific shape consisting of three separate pear-shaped stones (sometimes pearls) hanging from a larger stone. This can be done as part of a larger decorative motif or a bow. Used most commonly in earrings, the girandole shape was first popularized in the 17th century and was worn commonly for nearly 100 years into the late 18th century. Girandole-style earrings were originally based on the designs of Gilles Legare, featuring a single large circular stone suspending three-to-five pear-shaped gemstones of different kinds. The term has since also been used to describe a type of pendeloque that is used in variations of other popular jewelry.
