Made popular during the 17th century by the Duchesse de la Vallière, a mistress of King Louis XIV, a lavaliere is a particular neckpiece or neckline brooch featuring a drop pendant in the center. LEDE's signature fall/winter show - The Lavaliere - celebrates neck adornment of all kinds, as interpreted by jewelers, metalsmiths, and a painter.

Fourteen artists are participating by invitation in The Lavaliere 2011. The variety of styles and techniques will provide visitors an array of interpretations of neck adornment for gift or personal purchase.

The exhibit runs from December 7th, 2011, through January 7th, 2012. Join us for the opening reception December 9th, 2011, from 6 pm to 9 pm, in conjunction with Downtown Wake Forest's Art After Hours. As many of the fourteen artists as possible will be present at the opening reception to discuss their work with inquirers and admirers.

A tradition at LEDE is the creation of a monumental jewelry piece for collective jewelry shows. The monumental jewelry pieces adhere to the design principles (and sometimes techniques) prevalent in jewelry making, but the scale is greatly exaggerated. LEDE's own Nancy Ryall is creating the monumental lavaliere for The Lavaliere 2011. Nancy studied jewelry design and jewelry making at Birmingham University in England. She is one of six resident metalsmiths at LEDE. Previous monumental jewelry pieces have been made by Ginger Meek Allen and Leigh Salmon. Ginger Meek Allen's monumental lavaliere from 2010 will also be displayed, having returned from its travels to a museum art jewelry show out of state.

Despite its brief history, LEDE is known for its radical jewelry shows. "One of our goals at LEDE is to raise awareness about the depth and variety of art jewelry, honoring jewelry as a highly intimate art form," said Ginger Meek Allen, LEDE's Ringleader. "There are so many amazing artists creating amazing pieces intended to be worn on the body."

The Lavaliere 2011 | A Celebration of Neck Adornment