Book excerpt: A treasure trove of forgotten stories about jewels throughout history by internationally renowned jewellery expert, Carol Woolton. If Jewels Could Talk: Links Through Time 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 whistlestop 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.