Riza

It is usually made of gilt or silvered metal with repoussé work and is pierced to expose elements of the underlying painting.

It is sometimes enameled, filigreed, or set with artificial, semi-precious or even precious stones and pearls.

The purpose of a riza is to honour and venerate an icon, and ultimately the figure depicted on it, such as Christ or a saint.

Especially in older examples, the riza may cover only the halo of the subject and is then called a venets.

Sometimes the riza includes a stylized torc or gorget (neck ring), called a tsata in Russian.