Central Asian Textiles

17th 18th century rock crystal amulet You'd think this little heart was about love. But actually, it's about fear. At least, that is where my research into this extraordinary little object has led me. It's a heart of clear rock crystal, smoothly polished and mounted in silver. I bought it as seventeenth century and probably German — but, as I'll come to later, even the date has become part of the mystery. What does seem clear is that it belongs to a much wider European tradit

I was delighted to visit this extraordinary and unique collection of jewels and finery in one of the cities I visit often. It is a...

My article for Jewellery History Today Winter 23 the magazine of the The Society of Jewellery Historians, London...

Achmatta top smith in Agadez makes a cross on film

Buying Berber jewellery in Morocco.

I’ve become quite fascinated by beads recently, particularly ancient beads as some of my African dealers have offered them to me.

In 2013 I went on a sabbatical to rural Morocco. I needed a change in my life. I was practicing as an artist and its a tough sector....