medals

As a sign of gratitude for showed courage, as a honorary or particular sign of some rank or dignity, Rulers used to gifts their Vassals gems - medals has been made from expensive material worne as a housing; except of dominant symbolic meaning it represents high material value.
Medals and insignias express qualifications to the specific order, ideas, positioning in the society. On that way (as much as today) state was (since King Dusan’s code) rewarded and supported individuals.