The marriage knot, also known as the reef knot or knot of Hercules, originated in Ancient Egypt where it was worn as a protective amulet. The motif was adopted by the Romans in the beginning of the second millennium, and employed in jewelry as a symbol of betrothal and commitment. The knot (or bow) motif all but disappeared in the Middle Ages, but it came back with a bang in the Georgian era and has been popularly used as a representation of everlasting love for the past three centuries. This later Victorian chain is made in 15k gold with alternating knot and bar links.