Beaded Neck Ring Ndebele women traditionally adorned themselves with a variety of ornaments, each symbolising her status in society. After marriage, dresses became increasingly elaborate and spectacular. The Ndebele neck rings are worn by woman as a feminine status symbol. The unmarried women usually wear thicker beaded neck rings over their steel, much tighter neck rings. Once married the Ndebele women wear a thinner beaded ring around their neck. This is a symbol of a married woman along with other attire such as beaded skirts and a blanket.