The Mahalakshmi Neckpiece ($10,000) is double-sided, inspired by 19th century beadwork from Gujarat state, India. Symbols include elephants, the Mahalakshmi goddess (of the hearth), lions, and two women churning butter, among other designs. Each section is done in brick stitch, using 360 beads per square inch. The beads are sewn together using 2.5 mm faceted gold filled beads. The two sides of the neckpiece are connected on once side and fastened with gold-filled beads and crystals on the other. Most of the brick-stitched diamond shapes have a faceted smoky quartz teardrop at the bottom of the design. The piece will be included in Valerie Hector's book, "The Art of Beadwork," scheduled for publication in the fall of 2003. Click on each photo for a closer view.