如果珠寶會說話：從蘇美女王耳環到紅毯巨星胸針，七種首飾的歷史趣聞與時尚故事

by Carol Woolton, 卡蘿·伍頓, 廖亭雲 (Translator)

英國珠寶研究權威卡蘿．伍頓，以七種首飾為題，蒐羅古今趣聞，開啟一場橫跨歷史、藝術與時尚的美麗之旅，從出土文物到伸展臺光芒，娓娓道來人類與珠寶的千年連結。

從蘇美女王的黃金耳環，到傳奇巨星的鑽石手環；從維京人的銀項圈，到印度傳統的頭巾帽珠寶；從各民族祈求庇護的護身符，到名流政要宣示信念的胸針……在這本燦爛的文明故事集中，每一件首飾都是文明留下的閃亮註腳。你將看見珠寶如何映照價值觀的與時俱進，同時也傾訴著人類最深刻的情感與信念：愛與連結、認同與承諾。

珠寶總提醒我們：生命中的脆弱與璀璨，都值得珍視。

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2025

Reviews

[Samantha Garrad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this and the authors writing style was gorgeous to read. I would have liked the pictures next to the corresponding piece of jewellery and a few more pictures

[Linda Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A non-fiction book looking at seven kinds of jewellery.

I’m going to say at the outset that I think the title If Jewels Could Talk: Seven Secret Histories is a complete misnomer! Whilst the book is divided into seven sections covering jewellery from hoops to head ornaments, it is far, far more than that might suggest. This is a real cornucopia of history, culture, myth, legend and vicarious travel. If Jewels Could Talk might have a focus on jewellery but it is fascinating for many other reasons too.

It’s actually quite hard to review If Jewels Could Talk without merely regurgitating the wonderful factual information between its pages, but that would be like telling the plot for fiction and is in danger of spoiling discovering the contents for yourself. What it is possible to say is that the underpinning thread of If Jewels Could Talk is the connections and identity made through wearing jewellery. It might be to belong, to illustrate status or wealth, to act as protection or to suggest our personalities, but what Carol Woolton presents so sensitively is the need for human connection. And when she considers so-called environmentally friendly lab created jewels, QR codes, or the future of technology in jewellery making, there is still the message that jewellery helps us define ourselves – both to others and to our own hearts. It seems ridiculous that a whirlwind tour of seven kinds of jewellery can leave the reader feeling slightly emotional, but I found If Jewels Could Talk remarkably touching as well as engaging.

Whether a reader’s interest is in the world of fashion from discovering the Cartier anti-occupation brooches of the second world war through an Elton John style party, or in civilisations across the globe and in discovering the Egyptians were the first to create fake jewels, If Jewels Could Talk is a book with something for every reader presented in an erudite but accessible tone that is a joy to read. That said, I won’t be wearing jewellery containing a slug design any time soon!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading If Jewels Could Talk as it is authoritative, informative and hugely entertaining. I think it’d make the perfect gift for a jewellery lover who otherwise seems to have everything.

[Kalinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usually I like an already existing review, but as there are no 3-star reviews for this book, here’s my first review ever.

There are many interesting pieces of information in this book. However, much of the information is in the vein of xyz famous person had xyz famous piece of jewelry made with xyz precious stones. Sometimes there’s a discussion of how this sparked a broader trend. Or perhaps the message the jewelry owner might be trying to send. For older pieces of jewelry, there’s much more conjecture at play. We only really find the jewelry of the wealthy.

This gives the book the feeling of being a recitation of facts. There’s not much to pull you in. The author also throws in a couple jabs at younger generations usage/thoughts on jewelry that really seem out of place and distracting.

TLDR: Good tidbits, not engaging.

[booksbydorothea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 stars
STRONG recommend

I learned a lot about jewelry and fashion by listening to this book. But, I would have learned even more if I spoke "fashion and jewelry", but, unfortunately, I don't.

The book was organized with a chapter for each of the seven types of jewelry broken down with sub-chapters for each of the various types. This made it so easy to follow.

The author thoroughly and completely researched this book. It was an incredible amount of work and I appreciate it.

I just was lost at times. But, I just went with it and enjoyed this book.

For a more detailed review, check out my blog - booksbydorothea:
https://booksbydorothea.blogspot.com/...

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely uplifting book from someone who is clearly very passionate about jewellery and all it represents. I liked the bite sized historical storytelling throughout, such as how rings used to be a way for women to communicate in a time when they were not allowed to speak, the role of poison rings in history prior to arsenic testing, and the discovery of a single carnelian bead traced from India to the Derbyshire. I also liked the authors moral discussions throughout. I only wish there had been more discussion about neckalces. This book for me is comparable to Poseiden’s Steed by Helen Scales (about sea horses) in terms of making an intimidating topic very digestable, and getting the reader as fascinated and protective of the topic as much as the authors themselves.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

As our reviewers have said a ‘cornucopia’ of information about jewellery through time packed with historical vignettes and geological facts.
I learnt a lot.
I now appreciate more the older pieces I possess with their obvious ancestral connections. And the author emphasises these connections almost entirely in a happy way : very little about historical violence as jewellery( with one or two exceptions )connects mostly to times of peace and happiness.

[Lubica · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book focuses on different types of jewellery and how and why (and by whom) they have been worn - probably unsurprising for a text written by the Vogue jewellery editor. The author doesn't stray far from the British cultural scene, so don't expect a world history. It probably works better in print, as I feel good images would help the story. I listened to it on audio, and it was pleasant but completely forgettable.

[Jennifer Loschiavo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!!!! Very passionate and knowledgable. Well researched. Fantastic history. Well rounded and great range of information. Wonderful read. Highly recommend.

[Cassidy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few interesting bits and facts but kinda boring overall

[Marissa Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting look at how the past influences the jewelry of today. And also how pieces of necessity in the past are now just for show. As a fan of history and working in jewelry it really made for an interesting learning experience.