What Is a Lavaliere? The Sorority Necklace With Meaning
What Is a Lavaliere?
It’s small, it’s shiny, and it might be the most sentimental piece of jewelry you’ll ever own. A lavaliere (pronounced lah-vuh-leer, by the way) is a necklace that holds serious meaning in sorority and fraternity life.
But don’t let its size fool you—this dainty piece carries decades of history, love, and legacy.
A Quick Definition
A lavaliere is a necklace featuring Greek letters—usually in sterling silver or gold—that represent your sorority or fraternity. For women in Greek life, it’s often one of the first pieces of jewelry you receive after initiation, and it’s worn with pride and purpose.
What Does It Mean?
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Symbol of Membership: It marks you as a full, initiated member of your chapter.
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Connection to Sisterhood: Whether you wear it daily or save it for special events, your lavaliere keeps your letters close to your heart—literally.
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Tradition: Many sororities have worn lavalieres for generations. Some even pass them down through families or big–little lines.
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Romantic Meaning (Sometimes!): In some traditions, a fraternity man might give a lavaliere to a woman he’s dating seriously—a symbolic “I see you as family” moment. Think of it as a pre-pre-engagement, Greek edition.
What Styles Are There?
Lavalieres come in several styles—some classic, some with a twist:
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Vertical Greek Letters: The traditional go-to
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Chapter-Specific Designs: Some include crests or founding years
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Gemstone Accents: Tiny pearls or crystals for added flair
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Matching Big–Little Sets: Adorable and meaningful
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Custom Options: Name, crossing year, or both
Who Wears One?
Typically, initiated sorority members wear lavalieres. It’s a rite of passage—and often a cherished gift from a Big Sister, parent, or even a fraternity sweetheart.
But we’re all about accessible love here: if you want one and you’ve earned your letters, go for it.
Final Thought:
A lavaliere may be small, but it’s mighty. It’s the kind of jewelry that doesn’t just complete an outfit—it completes a story. Your story. One that started on Bid Day and continues every time you wear those letters close to your heart.
And let’s be honest—it looks really cute layered with your other gold chains.