Potential Cues for Attractiveness in Inherent Visual Characteristics of Necklaces

Many studies have focused on the attractiveness of physical characteristics of the human body, but few have examined extracorporeal attributes. This study investigated whether inherent visual characteristics of necklaces contribute to their attractiveness. Using questionnaires, preferences for nine visual variables were tested across three European regions (France, Germany and the Netherlands). Four variables were linked to the beads themselves (shape, color, shade, and size), and five concerned the overall visual appearance of the necklace (homogeneity, symmetry, contrast with background, number of strands, and length). Despite small sample sizes ( N = 32 for France, N = 69 for Germany, N = 42 for the Netherlands), results across all three regions showed a consistent preference for single-strand necklaces composed of small, white, rounded beads arranged symmetrically and homogeneously on a relatively short string. No significant differences were found between female and male participants. These findings suggest a possible bio-psychological foundation for the appreciation of beauty and attractiveness in extracorporeal elements.