The Necklace

Thirteen California women buy and share a beautiful diamond necklace, and each is transformed by the experience. The account follows the necklace, which they name "Jewelia" (for Julia Child), as it adorns brides, travels the world, is worn during sex, changes lives, and is loaned out far beyond its original owners. Sounds like fiction? No, it's a true story, enthusiastically read by Pam Ward. Her narration seems to evolve as the group of women bonds through their experiences with the necklace. From a gossipy delivery at the beginning, Ward morphs to a more empathetic tone as Jewelia becomes the centerpiece at fund-raisers and the subject of controversy. Ward's mature-sounding voice is appropriate for the real-life middle-aged women who tell what Jewelia has meant to them. J.B.G. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine