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!
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‘Seven Eyes’ amulets
What is that blue disc amulet with holes? Its name is saba uyun, and this article tells you all about it!
Across Asia
A small, but delightful book covering arts across the Asian continent in the Walters Art Museum.
Can I wear ethnic jewellery?
What you should know about wearing jewellery from other cultures, and three pointers to reach an informed decision yourself.
Cultural appropriation vs appreciation
What is cultural appropriation? And how is it different from cultural appreciation?
Emirati Adornment
Fabulous book combining oral history, jewellery and art in the United Arab Emirates. Loved it!
Organizing: 5 quick tips
5 quick tips on how to organize your collection of traditional vintage jewelry from the Middle East and North Africa
Recognizing reproductions
How to tell if vintage jewellery from North Africa and the Middle East is real, or a reproduction?
How to store ethnic silver
Are you still making these mistakes in storing ethnic silver? Here are 4 proven methods to store silver safely.
How to clean ethnic silver
3 simple ways to clean Middle Eastern jewellery at home – and the biggest mistake to avoid.
Collecting ethnic jewellery: 4 filters
Collecting jewellery saves it for the future: is that really so? Read more about the other side of collecting ethnic jewelry here.
What’s in a name?
What are correct names to indicate the origin of silver jewellery? Here are some thoughts on cultural identity and the importance of names.
Imaginarium
Powerful book with artists’ reflections on colonial postcards, images of the Orient and personal adornment as identity
Amber
This is not only a beautiful book on the history and use of amber, but a book that will get you thinking for sure. Highly recommended!
Tenues des Touaregs
Super rare book with detailed drawings of Tuareg adornment, jewellery, dress and utensils.
Engraved Gems
Engraved gems and rings: the private collection of Guy Ladriere, with sumptuous photographs.
Head Adornment
Book review of Head Adornment by Irene Steiner
Splendour and Shine III
Review of Splendour and Shine III by Irene Steiner
Losing sight
The biggest danger for traditional jewellery of North Africa & the Middle East may surprise you – but luckily, you can help to avoid it!
Hair: untold stories
Review of the exhibition on Hair in the Horniman Museum and Gardens
Horniman Museum
Horniman Museum and Gardens: why you will want to visit!
Beautiful Bodies
Beautiful Bodies: a detailed review of this book.
Cartier and Islamic Art
Cartier & Islamic Art: read my opinion on this gorgeous book here!
DIVA Library
DIVA Library: jewellery research heaven! Find out what this library offers jewellery researchers here.
Alexine Tinne
See 19th century North Africa and The Hague through the eyes of Alexine Tinne: photographer and less than ordinary traveler.
Le Khôl
A French private collection of kohl containers, published in a lovely book: read more here!
Gold of the Great Steppe
New discoveries of Scythian gold treasure: read the review of this beautiful book here.
East meets West
Review of the book East Meets West.
Adorned by Nature
Adorned by Nature: why you will want to read this book!
Splendour and Shine II
Beautiful book on ethnic jewelry in the Splendour & Shine-series: read about it here.
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.