REVIEW - If Jewels Could Talk (audiobook)

 

If Jewels Could Talk by Carol Woolton (audiobook)

OVERVIEW

This was a fascinating audiobook by Carol Woolton, jewelry historian and jewelry editor at British Vogue, and podcaster. She discusses the seven most important types of jewelry: hoops, rings, beads, charms, brooches, cuffs, and head ornaments. This self-appointed "history nerd" loved hearing all about the origins of the seven types of jewelry from prehistoric times to the current. 

Unfortunately, Carol works with jewelry and knows all the cool, specialized names for everything which I don't. Since I couldn't see the spelling of some of these terms, it would be hard to research further. I just went with the flow and enjoyed the audiobook. 

If I had read this as an ebook, it would have been less enjoyable as I would have researched as I read. It would have completely ruined the flow. 

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars

Writing: 4.0 stars

The writing was well done, but it was written as if the reader knew fashion and jewelry. Since there weren't explanations about these specific terms, it made it hard to follow.  

However, this book was very well-researched and thorough. There was so much fascinating information about the origins and history of jewelry. Since the author is a podcaster, it is possible that listening to the podcasts first would have been helpful. 

Narration: 4.0 stars

So the narration was weird for me as Carol has a strong British accent which I quickly acclimated to. The problem was the fashion and jewelry language, primarily in French. 

 

Character Arc: 4.0 stars

This audiobook had a chapter for each type of jewelry with sub-chapters for the different types. This made it easy to follow and focus on each jewelry type. 

Memorable:  4.0 stars

The big takeaway is that humans have always adorned themselves with whatever was available. This could have been furs, leather, or flowers. When metal was used, jewelry became important for trading and business. 

Entertaining:   4.0 stars

This was not an entertaining book, per se. It was more informative. 

I liked this book but didn't love it. 

Book cover: 4.0 stars

Pretty.        

Book title: 4.0 stars 

Appropriate.  

STRONG recommend

STATISTICS

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)

If Jewels Could Talk by Carol Woolton

Simon & Schuster Audio UK

7 hours, 50 minutes

Release date of 7/26/2024

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Carol Woolton

My Goodreads review

Simon & Schuster Audio UK

Los Angeles Public Library

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜