IndependentsAug 20, 2024
Pat Henneberry Releases MemoirTrendsSep 10, 2024
Carol Woolton To Release New Book
The jewelry historian discusses the history and cultural significance of jewelry throughout time and across the globe.
“If Jewels Could Talk” focuses on seven types of jewelry—hoops, rings, beads, charms, brooches, cuffs, and head ornaments.
London—Jewelry historian and British Vogue jewelry editor Carol Woolton has a new book on the history of seven types of jewelry, set to release on Sept. 24.
“If Jewels Could Talk” dives into the cultural significance of jewelry and how seven types of jewelry can link people throughout time and across the globe. They are hoops, rings, beads, charms, brooches, cuffs, and head ornaments.
In the 288-page book, Woolton discusses jewelry as one of humanity’s longest running cultural traditions, the designers who have left a legacy, and what the future of jewelry looks like, among many other topics.
She also provides examples and stories from many different cultures, including Viking silver torques, imperial jade in China, Roman cameo carvings, ancient Greek coins, and many more references.
“Whatever time of the Earth’s history you were born onto this planet, whatever culture or civilization you were born into, we all essentially wear the same things,” said Woolton.
“While we remain social creatures, jewelry will always provide something for us to hold onto. This book is an acknowledgment of that need.”
Woolton was the first jewelry editor of Tatler magazine and has contributed to the Financial Times, Vanity Fair, Vogue, Daily Telegraph, Air Mail, and Town & Country.
Her other books include “The New Stone Age,” “Vogue: The Jewellery,” “Floral Jewels,” and “Dolce & Gabbana High Jewelry.”
Woolton is also a stylist, curator, and host of the “If Jewels Could Talk” podcast.
Related stories will be right here …
“If Jewels Could Talk” dives into the cultural significance of jewelry and how seven types of jewelry can link people throughout time and across the globe. They are hoops, rings, beads, charms, brooches, cuffs, and head ornaments.
In the 288-page book, Woolton discusses jewelry as one of humanity’s longest running cultural traditions, the designers who have left a legacy, and what the future of jewelry looks like, among many other topics.
She also provides examples and stories from many different cultures, including Viking silver torques, imperial jade in China, Roman cameo carvings, ancient Greek coins, and many more references.
“If Jewels Could Talk” by Carol Woolton
“Whatever time of the Earth’s history you were born onto this planet, whatever culture or civilization you were born into, we all essentially wear the same things,” said Woolton.
“While we remain social creatures, jewelry will always provide something for us to hold onto. This book is an acknowledgment of that need.”
Woolton was the first jewelry editor of Tatler magazine and has contributed to the Financial Times, Vanity Fair, Vogue, Daily Telegraph, Air Mail, and Town & Country.
Her other books include “The New Stone Age,” “Vogue: The Jewellery,” “Floral Jewels,” and “Dolce & Gabbana High Jewelry.”
Woolton is also a stylist, curator, and host of the “If Jewels Could Talk” podcast.
Published by Gallery Books, “If Jewels Could Talk” will be available on Sept. 24 as a hardcover book, e-book, and audiobook.
The e-book version is available to pre-order for $15 on Barnes and Noble and Amazon.
The hardcover is available in the U.K. for £19, about $25, on Simon and Schuster.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Trends
The Latest
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in ShanghaiIt will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious MetalsTwo suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education ScholarshipsThe annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
