Magnolia Parks

The necklace that Magnolia wears signifies her attachment to BJ and her inability to truly separate from him. Although she has the power to definitively end their relationship, her choice to interact with BJ and wear his gifts, including clothes and jewelry—symbolizes her longing to reconnect with him. Early in their relationship, the two exchange rings that are engraved with their respective family crests. This type of ring—a modern fashion accessory that is descended from the signet rings used as a seal by persons of royal status—becomes a declaration of commitment. After they break up, Magnolia keeps BJ’s ring and strings it on a necklace that she keeps hidden beneath her clothing, representing her secret wish to be close to him and resume their former relationship. Magnolia is wearing the ring in the concluding scene at the Mandarin Oriental, and when she breaks the necklace and flings the ring to the ground, this gesture indicates that she is finally relinquishing any form of connection with BJ. By pulling off the necklace, she means to free herself from his influence.