Gold and silver body-ornamentation has a rich history in Eritrea. Finely-worked earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings in both precious metals are sold in the numerous jewelry shops, as are the famous Christian crosses, which are also available in brass. With precious metals being rare, unavailable or unaffordable in the rural areas, women in the rural areas usually wear jewelry made from many varieties of beads, strung together and worn around their heads, necks, wrists and ankles.