Definition: a style of earring characterized by three circular or oval stones suspended at the bottom, with the center piece slightly lower than the other two; the rest of the earring can vary greatly, but traditionally contains a large circular stone at the top and a bow or knot attaching the dangling trio to the upper section; developed around 1700 in France (and named for the crystal-pendant candelabras of the day), the style is typical of 18th century jewelry, and underwent a renaissance during the revival of Rococo styles in the 1870s
Pronunciation: jeer-an-dole
Also Known As: chandelier earring
Example: With their delicate, bow-like settings, the girandole earrings had the curvy silhouette that predominated in mid-18th-century Rococo styles in everything from furniture to dress.