Jewellery Blog
essentials and insider factsThis blog brings you the essentials on jewellery from North Africa & the Middle East, ancient jewellery and more. It contains 183 articles. Use the search bar or the drop-down menu above to find what you’re looking for: enjoy!
Deir ez-Zor as a jewellery centre
This Syrian town produced beautiful jewellery: who were its silversmiths?
Jewellery and the senses: smell
Did you know your jewellery used to smell…and what that means?
Jewelry and Adornment of Libya
An in-depth portrayal of Libyan jewellery
Joyeria Amazig/Amazigh Jewelry
A private collection of Amazigh jewellery in Spain
Not Lost But Gone Before
…the first symposium on mourning jewellery, co-hosted by me: explore everything mourning with us!
MODA Moroccan Fashion Statements
A fabulous exhibition on fashion layered with meaning!
What does a jewellery historian do?
What does a jewellery historian do? How do you become one? And how do I go about my work?
Czech glass pendants with Arabic script
Pendants with Arabic text, made in Bohemia: what do these say?
Triangular amulets: symbolism and jewellery traditions in the Middle East
Discover the symbolism of triangular amulets in jewellery. From silver containers to fabric and beaded forms, learn how the triangle shape protects and signifies meaning.
Ladakh Lointain
A huge volume with photographs of Ladakh in the early 1980’s
Khalili eye beads: Palestinian glass beads from Hebron
Discover Khalili eye beads made in Hebron, Palestine. Learn their history, local names, role in amulets, and presence in museum collections.
Jewellery and the senses: touch
How jewellery feels matters a great deal: and 3 ways touch may inspire your research
Textiles in Motion
Dress and dance: when the past moves, shakes and jingles!
Visible Beauty, Hidden Meaning
…the first interdisclipinary symposium, hosted by me!
Jewellery and the senses: sight
Jewellery and the senses: sight, seeing and hiding of jewellery
The Art of the Ring: book review of the Griffin Collection
Discover The Art of the Ring, a major publication of the Griffin Collection. Review of 100 rings across history, from posy and signet rings to Renaissance and medieval examples.
Coin jewellery in the Middle East
Coin jewellery in the Middle East and North Africa: what is it, and what can it tell us?
Jewellery and dress
Jewellery and dress: can you tell them apart?
Silver of the Possessed
The book on Egyptian silver zar jewellery!
Patina in Middle Eastern jewellery
A word used for two very different things…!
French Hallmarks
…and their importance for ethnic jewellery!
Etienne Dinet: Algerian passions
Beautiful paintings with lots of jewellery in the Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris
How to care for coral in ethnic jewellery
Coral is a diva! Learn how to care for this tricky material here.
Jewellery throughout life
Follow jewellery throughout a woman’s life: from baby to grandma!
Omani silver taswira amulets: fertility and protective jewellery
Discover the rare Omani silver taswira amulets: human-shaped pendants used for fertility and child protection. Learn their meaning, how they were worn, and their place in Omani jewellery traditions.
CITES: what does it mean for collectors and museums?
CITES and jewellery: understand rules for coral, ivory, and antiques. A guide for collectors, curators, and anyone handling cultural adornment.
Decoding Habiba’s jewellery
Habiba travelled with Alexine Tinne. What does her jewellery tell us about her?
In Death Lamented
A must-have reference for the history of mourning jewellery!
The Maria Theresia Thaler
The first universal coin, that continues to be popular today!
How to photograph ethnic jewellery
4 photography tips, 2 proven social media formats, and the one single thing you really need to create stunning jewellery photos!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bedouin Silver Blog
What topics are covered on this jewellery blog?
The blog covers a wide range of topics on Middle Eastern and North African jewellery, including amulets, symbols, ancient jewellery, collectors’ tips, book reviews, cultural traditions, and museum insights.
Who writes the blog articles?
All articles are written by Sigrid van Roode, PhD, a jewellery historian and published author. The blog draws on academic research, museum collections, and fieldwork to provide reliable and engaging insights.
Is the information on this blog reliable?
Yes. This blog is a research-based resource. Articles are referenced and grounded in academic publications, peer-reviewed studies, and documented collections, making it a trusted reference for jewellery history and cultural traditions.
How often are new articles published?
New blog articles are added regularly. With over 175 posts already available, the collection continues to grow as new topics are researched and written.
Is the blog suitable for beginners or only for specialists?
The blog is written in an accessible, conversational style. It is suitable for jewellery enthusiasts, collectors, museum professionals, bellydancers, and anyone curious about cultural heritage.
Can I explore specific themes within the blog?
Yes. The articles are grouped into themes such as Magic & Amulets, Cultures & People, Objects of Adornment, Book Reviews, Tips for Collectors, and Museum Reviews, making it easy to explore specific areas of interest.