The Voice of jewellery

About Me

I'm an author, broadcaster, jewellery historian and was Jewellery editor at British Vogue for over 20 years. I'm the woman who initiated the role of jewellery editor at Tatler and Vogue magazines and have written widely for newspapers, magazines and online supplements around the world including Vanity Fair, Air Mail, The Financial Times. I curate exhibitions and am the author of 8 books covering the broad spectrum of historic and antique jewels to contemporary styles. I'm the founder and presenter of the hit podcast show If jewels could talk and co-founder of The Leopards, a charitable initiative created to preserve crafts and skills and encourage young people into the industry. I'm an experienced speaker and skilled moderator of discussions and events.

PODCAST

If jewels could talk

The podcasts explore every facet of jewellery – from who makes it to who wears it and why –and is a must-listen for everyone who loves jewellery or might be buying a piece of jewellery; anyone interested in design and history; and all those who love a rollicking real-life story. “I’ll be delving back over four centuries of jewellery history and looking forward to what’s happening next in jewellery design.”

Every jewel tells a human story.

My Books

Articles

UPCOMING EVENTS / TALKS

If Jewels Could Talk

Join jewellery expert Carol Woolton for an exploration of seven pieces of jewellery that link us around the world, from past to future.

  • Thursday, 23 January 2025
  • 19.00 – 20.45
  • V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL

The Leopards

British fine jewellery industry experts

The Leopards established in 2016 are a like-minded group of British designers and jewellery leaders: Solange Azagury-Partridge, Susan Farmer, Theo Fennell, Stephen Webster and Carol Woolton who have come together to preserve the heritage skills of jewellery making and help mentor young people into the industry critical to its future working with The King’s Foundation and The Goldsmith’s Centre.

‘Jewellery is the most interesting thing we wear because it tells a story about us and the times in which we live. Why someone chooses a piece of jewellery is far more telling about them than anything else they wear. It acts as a glittering identifier, linking us to the past and future linking to design, art, film and fashion playing a major role in our cultural and emotional lives. Every jewel tells a human story.’