| Collars of Estate were ornamental chains or collars made up of a series of links cast in precious metals. They were generally used as signs of rank and they were most often symbols of office, such as ambassador or mayors, or of Royal favour. Some collars were quite simple and some very elaborately embellished with precious stones. The most familiar collars are those with the linked "S"s which served as the distinctive livery of the Royal House of Lancaster, bestowed by all three Lancastrian Kings. (Henrys IV, V and VI) |
 Sir Thomas More Painted by Hans Holbein the Younger. (1527). |
