Fig. 174. King Henry III, from his gilt-latten effigy at Westminster.
Fig. 175. King Edward II, from his alabaster effigy at Gloucester.
From ornaments for the head it is easy to pass to those for the neck.
The wearing about the neck of something which was considered decorative or becoming has been customary with the fair sex in every part of the world and in all ages of its history, and necklaces of every form, material, and fashion are as popular to-day as ever. But less attention is now paid to the decorative collars that once were worn not only by women but by men.
It has always been a mark of distinction or dignity to wear about the neck a chain or collar of gold, silver, or silver-gilt, either as an ornament, or a decoration of honour, or as a badge of partizanship; and the most noteworthy of these to-day are the collars of the various orders of Knighthood, such as the Garter (fig. [177]), the Thistle, and the Bath.