iridescent

From its display case in the museum’s “Stories from Mesoamerica” hall, the iridescent plumage shimmers like a rainbow encased in glass, a tropical interloper to these northern climes.

Her collection includes the first antique she ever purchased, an iridescent orange vase made of stretch glass, as well as the 1930s-era rocking chair from her parents’ house in New York.

Some were made from colorful tweed, iridescent fabric or patterned upholstery material.

There are exquisite medallions and hair ornaments made from iridescent abalone shells and strings of Chumash currency — tiny, doughnut-shaped beads created from carefully cut olivella shells.

Gandhi said that the estimated value of a male peacock — known for its fabulous, iridescent tail feathers — is $2,000, while a female peacock is valued at around $1,000.