Ornamental chains or necklaces, typically made of precious metal and worn around the neck or wrist as jewelry.
From Old French 'carcanet,' possibly from Italian 'carcanetto,' diminutive of 'carcano.' The word entered English in the 15th century and originally referred to elaborate gold chains worn by wealthy nobles and royalty.
Carcanets appear frequently in Renaissance paintings and Shakespeare's plays—they were such status symbols that owning one declared your wealth to everyone in the room. The word itself fell out of use over time, surviving mainly in historical fiction and poetry.
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