Diamonds are a girl's best friend.   But not always.

     For example, diamonds are not a girl's best friend if the girl (such as Linda Cristal of NBC's The High Chaparral) happens to have an extensive collection of American Indian jewelry at a time (such as right now) when American Indian artifacts are skyrocketing in value and popularity.  Linda bought her first piece several years ago when the pilot for Chaparral was being filmed near Tucson.  Since then she has built up a wide array of Navaho and Zuni jewelry, which she models here.      

     Her bracelets and necklaces, all handmade (of silver and coral, silver and turquoise) go well with her fresh and feminine Mexican dresses.  Collections, of course, tend to expand, and Linda's now includes the pre-Columbian figures and necklace.  Linda's collection, worth $5000 today, is steadily increasing in value, but she keeps it for decorative rather than financial purposes.  And decorate is something that it does extremely well.