1987.110.1 a-b; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum

Amber Necklace

Artifact ID1987.110.1 a-b

Date before 1975

Medium amber, metal, fabric

Dimensions(a) Necklace Diam 5 in (12.7 cm )
(b) Presentation box L 14 1/2 in x W 10 1/2 in x D 13 in (26.7 cm x 33 cm x 36.8 cm )

Physical Description(a) A long necklace made of monochromatic amber stones in a variety of shapes

(b) A rectangular maroon presentation box has round corners. The interior of lid is lined with red fabric, and the bottom portion is cushioned with white fabric.
Historical NoteEdward Gierek, the First Secretary of the Polish United Workers’ Party, gifted this necklace to First Lady Betty Ford on his visit to Washington, D.C. on October 8, 1974. The White House held a dinner for Gierek and his wife, Stanisława Gierek, complete with a performance by a renowned mime troupe. Betty Ford was unable to attend the dinner because she was recovering from her mastectomy at nearby Bethesda Naval Hospital.Additional Details

Custodial History NoteA foreign official gifted the item to First Lady Betty Ford during the Ford Administration. It was presented to her and was maintained at the Executive Office of the President until its transfer to the National Archives in 1981 for deposit with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum.

National Archives Catalog CollectionGerald R. Ford Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 620931)

National Archives Catalog SeriesHead of State Gifts Given to President Gerald R. Ford (74639696)

Use Restriction Status Unrestricted

Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.

Collections

Head of State Gifts