Detail from the Ermine Portrait of Queen Elizabeth
This collar is composed of pyramid-cut diamonds and ruby cabochons in elaborate goldwork settings, separated by wide bands of pearls. In the 16th century, diamonds were often depicted as black; due to the primitive pyramid cut they did not sparkle as modern diamonds do.

Detail from Portrait of Elizabeth 1 (1592)
The carcanet worn by the queen has clusters of 5 pearls separating single square jewels of carnelian and a dark stone (jet?) in floral settings. A pendant of carnelian, pearl and the dark stone is attached. She's also wearing a single strand of pearls.

Detail from the portrait of the Duchess of Norfolk
The duchess wears a long necklace wrapped twice around her neck. The elaborate links are composed of ruby cabochons and pearls in elongated gold settings, attached by gold links. A pendant is attached to the shorter loop of the necklace.

Detail from the Portrait of Elizabeth Bridges
Elizabeth wears a delicate network necklace of black beads connected by small gold links.

Detail from the Portrait of Elizabeth as a princess
Princess Elizabeth wears a necklace of pearls separated by cylindrical gold beads. The necklace loops twice around her neck. The longer loop disappears under her gown, while a pendant is attached to the shorter loop.

Detail from the Portrait of Lady Audley
Lady Audley is wearing an elaborate necklace. Clusters of long pearl-studded beads are separated by round black beads, possibly of jet. The necklace is looped twice around her neck, with a pendant attached to the shorter loop.

Detail from Portrait of an Unknown Girl
Among other jewels, the young lady wears a long golden chain. It is composed of twisted round links of gold, some simple and some decorated with enamel or small jewels, and gold beads. Emeralds, rubys and other gems in square goldwork settings are also incorporated into the chain. The chain is pinned to her bodice in four places, creating 5 loops.

Detail from a portrait of Jane Seymour
Jane Seymour is wearing a necklace with clusters of 5 pearls divided by square rubies set in goldwork settings shaped like roses. The necklace loops twice around her neck, with the longer loop beneath her gown. A pendant is attached to the shorter loop.

Detail from the Pelican Portrait of Queen Elizabeth
This beautiful carcanet is composed of clusters of five and four pearls, square and pyramid-cut diamonds, and cabochon or hogback cut rubies. The elaborate gold settings have enamelled white flowers and other enamelled decoration. A teardrop pearl descends from the central diamond jewel.