chinese necklace maybe

Hi all any ideas what this is in my opinion something to do with chinese religion as its in a really good shadow box frame not much more I can say chris

 

It not a religious item, but as with most Chinese items, it has symbolic meaning.
It is a traditional necklace made by the Miao or a related ethnic minority from Southeast China.
The animal is the mythical Kirin (Qilin), symbol of tranquility and prosperity.
Some Miao jewellery has some silver content, but most is made of 'Miao silver', a base metal like 'Tibetan silver', so no silver content at all. If you want to know if this is silver, it is best to test it.
This jewellery is popular right now, so they are making a lot of it. They make a lot of it anyway, because the Miao love bling:

 

There is an architect in town named Andrew Miao. Does this mean he is from this province? I know that's how a lot of my French Canadian ancestors got their last names .

 

Bev, I have no idea, I don't know how that works with Miao family names.
Now, if he wore regional dress or jewellery, I'd be able to help. Does he?
He probably wears 'architects regional dress', black clothing and a scarf. I have that in my collection too.

 

thanks guys not silver but still pretty nice

 

He's very traditional for Cape Cod - button down shirts, blue blazer and khaki trousers. The "uniform" of the Cape businessman.

 

Must add to wishlist: 'Cape Cod businessman traditional costume'.