JEWELRY AS INSIGNIA
The necklace is a centuries old symbol in men.
Jewelers dedicated long hours to the making of this signs of rank.

As known, presently they are used as signs of rank, and recognition.

The Insignia worn by the Rector, a necklace as another symbol of Office, can be solved through different approaches, concerning to the technical feasibility.
In this page I am presenting some solutions from different approaches. To be pragmatic, one has to understand that a necklace of this type would be extremely difficult to do. Therefore, interpreting the cultural archetypes, here are some solutions:

These are disassembled pieces that would form the first necklace approach. The first circle on the left symbolizes the world divided into West and East. The triangles are from the same Pythagorean root as the rest of the concept, and act as links of the chain. The next circle has a cross inside and symbolizes the root of the University. These elements are repeated.
The fabrication of these elements will require computerized water-jet cutting of metal, possibly mild steel about 2 ~ 3 mm thick in the USA. They would then be shipped over for a gold bath and the linkage of the pieces.

The second solution would be to have a 15 mm diameter filigree chord with the University's medallion in the center. This would be a Western-Portuguese solution.

The next solution is much more feasible. It is based on the following principles:
a. shows an openness to the East and to some of its symbols, allowing for a nice blending of both worlds.
b. the use of red corals and hollow gold balls also blends nicely with the University's and the Rector's colors and is very feasible indeed.
c. it would show a nice transcultural addition to the Rector's garments. The medallion would of course show in the center.

This is the final outcome of a combination of large red lacquer beads with hollow gold beads with a sandblast finish. It is based on a large scale rosary but due to its scale the original idea will be overcome by the power of the red lacquered beads. Hence, a new insignia based on the cross culture of Macau is born. Click on image to view larger.

This is another version with the predominance of red lacquer large beads. This version has a stronger overall presence as opposed to the earlier one. Since the beads total length (perimeter) is known by adding the diameter of the red lacquer beads and the gold ones, it is possible to keep the same length (perimeter) by keeping the same amount of added diameters.

This is the finished piece. It is based on Chinese tradition and bears the University Medallion.

Detail of the Medallion

Concept by - ARS CIVES