A
Collar 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 collar, the grandest form of the widespread phenomenon of
livery in the
Middle Ages and
Early Modern Period. Orders which have several grades often reserve the Collar for the highest grade (usually called the
Grand Cross). The links of the chain are usually composed of symbols of the order, and the
badge (also called "decoration", "cross" or "jewel") of the order normally hangs down in front. Sometimes the badge is referred to by what is depicted on it; for instance, the badge that hangs from the Chain of the
Order of the Garter is referred to as "the George".