Independents

This New Podcast Is a Must-Listen for Jewelry Lovers

IndependentsJul 07, 2021

This New Podcast Is a Must-Listen for Jewelry Lovers

British Vogue editor and jewelry historian Carol Woolton views pop culture through a jewelry lens.

London—Jewelry historian, author, and editor Carol Woolton has a new title: podcaster.
 
The British Vogue and Tatler contributing jewelry editor of more than two decades and author of five jewelry books launched “If Jewels Could Talk with Carol Woolton” earlier this year.  
 
The podcast uses jewelry as entrée to larger cultural themes, both historic and contemporary. 
 
She said, “I’ll be delving back over four centuries of jewelry history and looking forward to what’s happening next in jewelry design. Jewels are the starting point to discuss past eras, romance, lost fortunes, revolution, precious stones and personal histories.”
 
With a focus on stories and fascinating characters, “If Jewels Could Talk” kicked off on April 22 with an episode all about jewelry in Hollywood.
 
Woolton talked about the glamorous jewelry of the 1950s with Victoria Brynner, daughter of Academy Award-winning “The King and I” actor Yul Brynner, and celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, who caters to clients like the Kardashians. 
 
“Jewelry links to design, art, film and fashion,” said Woolton. “It plays a role in our cultural and emotional lives. Jewelry is the most interesting thing we wear because it tells a story about us and the times in which we live. 
 
“Why someone chooses a piece of jewelry is far more telling about them than anything else they wear. It acts as a glittering identifier, linking us to the past and future. I’ve never met a stone or a jewel that doesn’t have something to say.”
 
Other season one episodes see Woolton chat with an eclectic array of jewelry experts and lovers.
 
Woolton talks with “Bridgerton” costumer designer Ellen Mirojnick and jewelry and prop designer Lorenzo Mancianti on early 19th century jewelry and the escapist fantasy that is the popular Netflix show.
 
Woolton hosts “Bling Empire” star and jewelry lover Christine Chiu for a chat on jewelry as a social signifier.
 
One episode explores all things “All That Glitters” with jewelry designer judges Solange Azagury Partridge and Shaun Leane, as well as comedian and show host Katherine Ryan.
 
Jewelry academic and prolific author Diana Scarisbrick joins the podcast to talk about jewelry’s cultural, social, and political significance. 
 
Stephen Webster and Dr. Jeffrey Post, curator of gems and minerals at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, speak about the many superstitions surrounding gems.
 
Lastly, Sotheby’s Frank Everett and Louis Vuitton Creative Director of Jewelry Francesca Amfitheatrof speak on the topic of jewelry worn by First Ladies in the White House.
 
“If Jewels Could Talk with Carol Woolton” is available wherever podcasts are streamed, including on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Women wearing Zales jewelry
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen Banner

The jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026

From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.

26.36 carat round brilliant cut white diamond
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at Auction

The historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.

GIA iD100®
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

JCK Rocks Nelly Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With Nelly

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.

Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Lady Wardington and diamond-clip brooch
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161K

The model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.

My Next Question Episode 3 guest Johnny Nelson
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny Nelson

Fresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.

TopImageCrop.jpg
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

Lucara blue diamond
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue Diamond

The “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.

Stuller The Basics of Jewelry
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book

“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.

Mark and Candy Udell on stage at the 2026 Gem Awards
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards

Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.

Winter Tourmaline
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’

The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.

Natalie Portman in Tiffany & Co. Jewelry
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New Ambassador

The Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.

Jean-Marc Duplaix
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEO

The organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.

Anne Hathaway and Rose Byrne
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After Another

Natalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.

Tag Heuer CEO Béatrice Goasglas
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEO

Béatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.

Bonhams fine jewelry Paris
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels

The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.

Silvia Furmanovich Horse Mane Earrings, Cece Jewellery Underworld Triptych Necklace, Almasika Invictus Flower Brooch
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry Design

Our Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.

Vera Wang
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch Collection

The 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.

Andrea Pooler
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO

Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.

24 Karat Club banquet
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf Astoria

The reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.

Zoë Kravitz in Jessica McCormack’s Planetary Necklace
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’

McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.

Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Award Grant Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.

David Berdugo
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO

The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.

Woman working at bruting machine, seal at new Grandview Klein factory in South Africa
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa

The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.

MJSA Education Foundation logo
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications Open

The MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.

26.36 carat round brilliant cut
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London

The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy