Artifact No. 1981.179 a-b, The Collar of St. Arsene; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum (Grand Rapids, MI)

The Collar of St. Arsene

Artifact ID1981.179 a-b

Date Roman Period

Medium silver, gold, gemstone, glass, fabric

DimensionsOverall (approximately an 18" chain) (necklace) H 9 in x W 8 1/2 in (22.9 cm x 21.6 cm )
Overall (box) H 10 in x W 14 in x D 1 1/2 in (25.4 cm x 35.6 cm x 3.8 cm )

Physical Description(a) A necklace is made of gemstones and pieces of glass that are both enclosed in round silver settings. Three clusters of stones and glass hang from the front; two clusters flank a longer one that hangs from the center.

(b) A square maroon box is lined with white fabric on the interior of the lid and is cushioned with maroon fabric on the bottom portion.

Historical NoteFirst Lady Jehan Sadat, human rights activist and wife of Egyptian President Anwar al-Sadat, gifted this necklace to First Lady Betty Ford in October 1975. during the Sadats’ state visit to Washington, DC. Known as “The Collar of St. Arsene,” the necklace is named after St. Arsenius, a Roman imperial tutor who later renounced the grandeur of court life to become a hermit in Egypt. The necklace features gold plated silver and cut glass dating back to the Roman conquest of Egypt.Additional Details

Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to First Lady Betty Ford during the Ford Administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there 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.

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