If Jewels Could Talk with Carol Woolton

Carol talks to the leading jewellery academic Diana Scarisbrick – an author, curator and specialist in neo-classical gems – who studies the cultural, social and political significance of jewellery. Over her 50-year career she’s written more than 20 books, including such definitive works asRings: Jewellery of Power, Love and Loyalty;Jewellery in Britain from 1066-1837;Portrait Jewels: Opulence and Intimacy from the Medici to the Romanovs;and most recentlyDiamonds: 700 Years of Glory and Glamour.Diana

Jewellery is one of the oldest decorative arts, originally answering our need for adornment in the form of shells, feathers, bones and pebbles. This rich cultural history dates back beyond recorded history. Their rarity and beauty meant they were used as decoration as well as amulets, to ward off evil. Gradually jewellery became attached to status, but stones were still considered to bring good health, wisdom and love, while superstitions and curses associated with others linger to this day. Dr

The new BBC 2 jewellery talent competition,All That Glitters, is likeThe Great British Bake Offbut contestants cook with precious metals and gems instead of flour and sugar. Eight jewellers battle to create bestsellers and bespoke pieces for real-life clients – in 3 hours. Carol meets the show’s host, Canadian comedienne Katherine Ryan, and the judges Solange Azagury-Partridge and Shaun Leane, two of Britain’s most respected contemporary jewellery designers. For more information, please

Carol’s launch episode,in time for the Oscars,looks at old and new Hollywood jewels. She is joined by Victoria Brynner, daughter of Academy Award-winning actor Yul Brynner and Chilean model Doris Kleiner (whose best friend, Elizabeth Taylor, was Victoria’s godmother). Victoria’s company, Stardust Brands, links stars with brands, providing casting and creative consulting in the luxury world.Carol and Victoria are joined bythe Kardashians' go-to designer,Martyn Lawrence Bullard – the TV personality