Jewelry collection highlights birthplace of Jesus

Among several debut gift exhibitors was The Nativity Stones Collection, whose jewelry features authenticated chips from stones from the manger room in the Cave of Nativity in Bethlehem, widely held to mark the birthplace of Jesus.

Sold on television during the 1990s, the crosses, brooches, pendants and rosaries are being made available to Christian retail stores for the first time. "There has been an incredible response, a lot of interest," said Diane Keith, whose father, Stanley Slotkin, brought the stones to the U.S. in 1964.

"It has been very worthwhile being here," Keith said.

Originally donated to nonprofit organizations to help with fundraising, the stones were later made available direct to consumer. The television promotions were hosted by actor Ricardo Montalban and singer Kathy Troccoli. A portion of the proceeds from sales will go to charities, including the American Cancer Society.

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