About
The character 珩 (héng) is a phono-semantic compound associated with traditional Chinese ornamental jewelry. Its left radical 王, a combining form of 玉 (yù) for jade, indicates the semantic category of precious stones and gem crafting. The right component 行 (xíng or héng) provides the phonetic element. 珩 specifically denotes the top horizontal jade piece in a traditional suspended pendant worn by ancient nobility. This piece served as the anchor for strings of smaller jade beads and ornaments, often bearing intricate carvings that signified the wearer's social rank and adherence to Confucian values of ritual propriety and virtue.
Etymology Hide
