A neck adornment typically consists of two primary components: a flexible strand crafted from a precious metal and a decorative object suspended from it. The metallic strand provides the means of attachment and dictates the length at which the focal piece rests upon the wearer. The suspended ornament, conversely, serves as the visual centerpiece, often carrying symbolic or aesthetic significance. For example, a delicate strand of interwoven links might support a gemstone-encrusted figure.
These adornments have a long and varied history, serving as indicators of status, religious affiliation, or simply as personal expressions of style. The choice of metal used in the strand offers inherent value and influences the overall appearance. Similarly, the design of the suspended piece can range from minimalist geometric shapes to elaborate, highly detailed representations. The combination offers both an aesthetic enhancement and, potentially, a valuable asset.