It isn't the cost of the necklace -- 44 years ago it was not an expensive piece -- it is that we have been warned in Rio and other parts of Brazil not to wear jewelry in port. I couldn't replace it if it were stolen (I've never seen another one like it. People always comment on how different it is.), and that would be absolutely crushing to me. Also, tied in is the fact that it is a symbol of my Jewish heritage and we have been told there is anti-semitism in SA.
