![Hans Holbein, the Younger - Sir Thomas More - Google Art Project](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/Hans_Holbein%2C_the_Younger_-_Sir_Thomas_More_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg)
In jewelry, a collar is an ornament for the neck.
''Collar'' is an older word for
necklace
A necklace is an article of jewellery that is worn around the neck. Necklaces may have been one of the earliest types of adornment worn by humans. They often serve Ceremony, ceremonial, Religion, religious, magic (illusion), magical, or Funerary ...
, and is usually reserved today for a necklace that lies flat to the body rather than hanging freely and rests directly above the collar bone.
In contemporary fine jewelry, collar necklaces are 14 inches in chain length and look similar to a collar on a shirt. In street fashion, collars are more commonly referred to as dog collars. Dog collars are associated with the punk scene and the
BDSM
BDSM is a variety of often erotic practices or roleplaying involving bondage, discipline, dominance and submission, sadomasochism, and other related interpersonal dynamics. Given the wide range of practices, some of which may be engaged ...
scene.
Specifically, ''collar'' may refer to:
* One of the insignia of an
Order of Knighthood.See:
Collar (Order of Knighthood)
A collar also known as collar of an order is an ornate chain, often made of gold and enamel, and set with precious stones, which is worn about the neck as a symbol of membership in various chivalric orders. It is a particular form of the livery c ...
*A wide
choker
A choker is a close-fitting necklace worn around the neck, typically 14 inch to 16 inch in length. Chokers can be made of a variety of materials, including velvet, plastic, beads, latex, leather, metal, such as silver, gold, or platinum, etc. The ...
popular in the
Edwardian period (also called a
dog collar); the style was introduced by Princess
Alexandra of Denmark (later, queen consort of the UK) who wore it to hide a scar on her neck.
*The various
livery collar
A livery collar or chain of office is a collar or heavy chain, usually of gold, worn as insignia of office or a mark of fealty or other association in Europe from the Middle Ages onwards.
One of the oldest and best-known livery collars is the Col ...
s or ''chains of office'' worn by officers of state in
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Wales to its west and Scotland to its north. The Irish Sea lies northwest and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. It is separated from continental Europe b ...
and the
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and North ...
.
*Any massive necklace of the sixteenth century or earlier.
References
External links
Portrait of Queen Alexandra in a diamond collar
Necklaces
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