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!
Village life in southern Sudan
Very rare, early photos from Sudan, showing hairstyle, jewellery and dress!
Carnelian as amulet: history, symbolism and protective power
Carnelian has been cherished from Mesopotamia to the Maghreb. This post traces its role in ancient Egypt, Islamic amulets, and Middle Eastern jewellery, showing how one stone carried protective power across cultures.
Scented paste jewellery of North Africa
A closer look at scented paste jewellery in North Africa, particularly in Tunisia and Algeria. This blog post explores how fragrance, material, and cultural meaning come together in skhab beads worn by women as part of traditional adornment.
Colour symbolism in Middle Eastern jewellery
Colours in Middle Eastern jewellery are never random. This post shows how red, blue, yellow, and green carry meanings of protection, fertility, and prosperity, and how colour symbolism changed across time and place.
15 reasons why provenance matters for ethnic jewellery
…reasons 3 and 10 are probably not what comes to mind first, but they are super important!
What is dowry jewellery?
Why is jewellery so important in Middle Eastern weddings?
Djerba gilded pendants
Would you have guessed the meaning of their design…?
Quick guide: how do amulet cases open?
Slider lid or tiny hinge? This guide shows how amulet cases were built, what their hardware reveals, and why careful handling often matters more than opening them.
How to spot alterations
Has a piece of jewellery been altered? Here are 5 tips how to tell.
Sand in my Eyes
Stunning photos and intimate portraits of over 45 tribes in Sudan and their lives. Highly recommended!
Kabylia necklaces: a history
Kabylia necklaces: a history of loyalty, fierce women and identity.
Khamsa in jewellery: history, symbolism, and the Hand of Fatima
The khamsa, also known as hamsa or Hand of Fatima, is one of the oldest protective symbols in jewellery. Learn its history, number five symbolism, and role in traditional and modern adornment.
Traditional French jewellery
Warning: this book will make you fall in love with French regional jewellery!
How ChatGPT spins jewels
I asked ChatGPT about ethnic jewellery and this is what happened…
Restringing ethnic jewellery
5 hands-on tips to spot if a necklace has been restrung – and when that actually matters.
Draa Valley necklace
A sumptuous necklace from the Draa Valley, Morocco: a story of many lives and afterlives.
Omani silver braid ornaments
Omani silver hair ornaments: the one use you did not expect!
What is ‘ethnic’ jewellery?
‘Ethnic jewellery’ is not simply a container term: it is highly specific. See 5 meanings it may carry in this article!
Spanish pillar dollar
It’s one of the forgotten coins…but you may already know more than you realize!
Parfums d’Orient: book
Parfums d’Orient: the catalogue of the exhibition on fragrance in North Africa and the Middle East.
Ethnic jewels: silver content
What is the silver content of ethnic jewellery? Learn how to navigate descriptions, ask specific information and understand the answer!
5 rookie mistakes
You will really want to avoid these 5 mistakes in jewellery collecting! I made them, so I should know.
Islamic amulet cases
Islamic amulet cases: discover the surprising history in their shapes!
100 jewellery blogs
100 blogs on traditional jewellery from the Middle East and North Africa: the good, the amazing and the ugly.
Ancient jewellery: Lebanon
What is the history of Lebanese jewellery? Let ancient trade routes, face beads and Phoenicians take you along!
Foulet Khamsa
Foulet Khamsa from Morocco: the surprising truth behind its name!
THOBNA
THOBNA: a must-read book on Palestinian dress and identity by Wafa Ghnaim.
A Palestinian wuqaya
A wuqaya headdress from Ramallah and Jerusalem: who wore this, and how did a German token coin end up with it?
Gold dinars at a glance
Medieval Islamic gold dinars: an overview!
Oman Adorned
Oman Adorned: what is this book about and how do I get it?
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.