If Jewels Could Talk

by Woolton, Carol

• ISBN13: 9781398526969
• ISBN10: 1398526967
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781398526952
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2026-02-24
• Publisher: Gallery UK
• More Book Details

Summary

'Filled with fascinating facts and cultural observations, Woolton engagingly guides the reader through history, making you wish that jewels could in fact talk' - New Statesman

A treasure trove of forgotten stories about jewels throughout history by internationally renowned jewellery expert, Carol Woolton. 

If Jewels Could Talk delves into the history, cultural significance and eclectic trivia of jewellery. As a jewellery historian, jewellery editor at British Vogue and now podcast host, Carol Woolton is uniquely qualified to take us on a whistle-stop tour through history via seven items of jewellery: hoops, rings, beads, charms, brooches, cuffs and head ornaments. 

Weaving in examples from cultures around the world, Carol will uncover fascinating stories about Viking silver torques, Imperial jade in China, sixteenth-century Posy rings, organic gems, snake motifs, Roman cameo carving, Hindu wedding jewellery, Etruscan gold, Ancient Greek coins, piercings, Wedding pigs in China, tiaras and anklets - to name but a few. 

A beautiful and illuminating gift for any jewellery lover, If Jewels Could Talk shines a light on all that glitters and more. 

'Carol Woolton is an absolute encyclopaedia on the subject of jewellery, but never lets her knowledge bog her down. This book is filled with fascinating stories about the things we all wear everyday, as well as a cultural history of adornment through the ages' - Alexandra Shulman

'Well researched and full of quirky insights, it is a fascinating read that any lover of jewels will adore' - the Sun

'Such an interesting and romantic read for any jewellery lover. I loved it' - Theo Fennell

'A sparkling field guide for any jewellery aficionado and beyond [...] Carol Woolton takes us on a compelling and tender trip through the looking glass and history' - Sophie Dahl

Author Biography

Carol Woolton is a jewellery historian, editor, author, stylist and jewellery editor at British Vogue for twenty years, where she remains as Contributing Jewellery Director. She was the first jewellery editor of Tatler magazine and has contributed widely to the likes of the Financial Times, Vanity Fair, Vogue and the Daily Telegraph. Carol has written several books about jewellery for the special sales market, including The New Stone Age (2020), Vogue: The Jewellery (2020), Floral Jewels (2014) and the upcoming Dolce & Gabana High Jewelry (2023). Carol curates jewellery exhibitions and hosts If Jewels Could Talk, the podcast she launched in 2020.