Author
Books, articles, blogsLearn with me
Sharing stories
One of the ways I share the stories behind jewellery, is by writing. Something I love doing! Over the past 20 years, I have done a lot of writing: childrens’ books (age 8-12), handbooks for heritage management professionals, and books on archaeology and jewellery specifically for a wide audience. In the digital realm I create guest posts on blogs, website texts and e-books. Scroll down to learn more!
The world of fragrance
Silver & Frankincense
This book presents a unique exploration of a little-known, invisible aspect of traditional jewellery and adornment from the Arab world: scent. It delves into rituals, traditions and customs from many countries across this vast region to explore how scent is used in personal adornment. The book offers insights into the social and spiritual values of fragrance and shows many examples of material culture, from perfume jewellery to incensing devices.
The book is deceptively small, belying the weight and density of information contained within. Don’t be fooled.
Even though scent is an inherently invisible and elusive substance, the author succeeded in bringing it to life, giving it substance, and making it both visible and understandable to the reader. Her style of writing is clear yet illustrative, and her narrative is both scholarly and approachable.
The six chapters capture the role of scent in all spheres of life – past and present, intangible and tangible, physical and spiritual, and both as an object and as an experience.
This is book is the perfect introduction to the role of scent in the Arab world. As with most perfumes it is contained in a small package, but its aroma and allure spread far beyond, carrying innuendos of past lives, spiritual values, and promises of future possibilities.
Understanding jewellery
Desert Silver
This is the fully revised and expanded 2017 edition of my book Desert Silver. This book introduces the context and long history of traditional silver jewellery of North Africa and Southwest Asia. Jewellery is more than just adornment: it functions as communicator, amulet and bank account. All of these capacities are discussed in this richly illustrated book, showing examples from the seaside trading ports of the Maghreb to the ancient caravan posts in Southwest Asia.
If you know nothing about jewellery from the Arab world, you will find this a perfect introduction that will entice you to read and learn more, even to start your own collection. If you are already knowledgeable about Arab jewellery, this is a wonderful book to put it all into context and to understand the relevance and value of these items. If you own or wear Arab jewellery, this book is a celebration of your cultural treasures and your heritage.
I love Desert Silver, very readable, lots of info that I knew nothing about, but I love it the most because it shows commonly worn jewels rather than exquisite one of a kinds. Much like Silver Treasures by Marjorie Ransom
Online writing
Articles & blogs
I often write for journals and magazines, both online and offline, as well as for other blogs. Here is an overview of some of my online publications.
Age-old motifs in contemporary jewellery design – Art Jewelry Forum
Smell the Roses. The invisible side of personal adornment – Pink Jinn Blog
Monthly posts on jewellery – The Zay Initiative
Silver Savings – Pink Jinn Blog
The Power of Henna – Arte & Lusso Magazine
Reading Vintage Jewellery – Arte & Lusso Magazine
Of Swords and Daggers – RAWI Magazine
writing for you
Commissioned writing
I am available for commissioned writing. I take maximum word count and deadlines very seriously, and can help you develop a complete book concept or guest author a chapter. Whether it is a coffee table book, a guest post on your blog or a magazine article, my contributions are well-researched and written in an engaging, lucid and fluid style. I have worked as professional editor and am familiar with the production process of books and periodicals – a background that will work to your advantage.