The Rare Stone on a Chain, Travelers in Painted Wagons on Cohay Creek

The stone swinging back and forth on its chain sent beams of rainbow prisms
across the walls on the opposite side of the shop

On the back cover of Travelers in Painted Wagons on Cohay Creek, a tiny picture gives a view of an intriguing piece of jewelry. What is the mystery of the necklace with its enormous stone hanging from a burnished gold chain? 

The necklace, appearing throughout the novel, has a personality of its own, as it passes from one generation to another. Something profound resides in the history of the exquisite crystalline stone cut by ancient artisans. It is one of the links between the present and ancient times of a non-nation of clever people, discriminated against...treated as trash despite their brilliance...throughout the centuries. 

How does it pass from one to another? Will a Romany always possess it? Can a Gorgio become a Romany?

Here's how the first Gypsy in Travelers acquired the necklace with the magnificent stone:  

(Quote from Travelers in Painted Wagons on Cohay Creek by Sarah Walker Gorrell and Mary Lou Cheatham)

The boy and his father, none other than Lochan and Vail, performed for the Prince. Instantly the old man’s spirits surfaced from the mire of despair. He placed his hands on a burnished gold chain with an enormous cut stone mounted in a pendant. The stone chiseled in many facets emitted brilliant white light. On the Prince’s chest, it appeared to be a diamond.

He removed it and commanded a servant, “Place this around the child’s neck.” The Prince hesitated. “No, I’ll do it myself.”

“But his Excellence must not touch a Pariah.”

“I will do as I wish.” The Prince dangled the necklace. “Come closer, lad.”

Guileless, Lochan stepped forward and bowed. 

“Bless you, my child.” The old man placed the chain around the boy’s neck and pulled the youthful black hair over it in the back. 

“Thank you.” On Lochan’s chest, the stone no longer looked white. Instead, the facets emitted bold colors into the room, constantly changing. Sometimes reds, sometimes blues. Brilliance emanated from the jewel. 

“Ahh.” A sound of admiration softly spoken filled the room.

“Now, you may make one request, young man.”