Necklace

A necklace of coral or white bryony beads used to be worn round the necks of children to aid their teething. Necklaces of hyoscyamus or henbane-root have been recommended for the same purpose. In Italy coral beloques are worn as a charm against the “evil eye.”

The diamond necklace (1785). (See Diamond Necklace.)

The fatal necklace. Cadmos received on his wedding-day the present of a necklace, which proved fatal to everyone who possessed it. Some say that Vulcan, and others that Euroʹpa, gave the necklace to Cadmos. Harmonia’s necklace (q.v.) was a similar fatal gift. (See Fatal Gifts.)

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.