Brewer's: 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 Europa, gave the necklace to Cadmos Harmonia's necklace (q.v.) was a similar fatal gift. (See Fatal Gifts.)
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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