A treasure trove of forgotten stories about jewels throughout history by internationally renowned jewellery expert, Carol Woolton. If Jewels Could Talk: Links Through Time delves into the history, cultural significance and eclectic trivia of jewellery. As a jewellery historian, jewellery editor at British Vogue and now podcast host, Carol Woolton is uniquely qualified to take us on a whistlestop tour through history via seven items of jewellery: hoops, rings, beads, charms, brooches, cuffs and head ornaments. Weaving in examples from cultures around the world, Carol will uncover fascinating stories about Viking silver torques, Imperial jade in China, sixteenth-century Posy rings, organic gems, snake motifs, Roman cameo carving, Hindu wedding jewellery, Etruscan gold, Ancient Greek coins, piercings, Wedding pigs in China, tiaras and anklets - to name but a few. A beautiful and illuminating gift for any jewellery lover, If Jewels Could Talk shines a light on all that glitters and more.

Throughout the 20th century, jewellery revealed the behind-the-scenes stories and the plot twists and turns in the real lives of celebrities that will always be larger than life. Some of the world's most fabulous jewels not only illustrated power and status in society but these magical gems held tremendous sentimental value as they were linked to the most significant moments and memories of Hollywood royalty, international aristocracy and international icons of style. If These Jewels Could Talk offers a glimpse into the jewellery boxes of these celebrities - the personal tastes, heartfelt anecdotes and the true tales of the women who wore and collected the pieces. During the early- to mid-20th century, a majority of screen actresses requested to wear their own favourite pieces in films. This offered a peek into some the great jewellers of the time who were designing for women who could choose anything. Actresses such as Merle Oberon, Paulette Goddard, Joan Crawford, Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor as well as icons such as Jackie Kennedy and The Duchess of Windsor created signature styles for which they became known and which influenced generations of women, becoming part of our collective consciousness. The 20s through the 50s were a time when the renowned jewellery houses were also celebrities in their own right. They mixed with the socialites and royalty they bejewelled. In films, jewellery clearly developed and defined a character's personality - as it did in real life - whether it be a rags-to-riches story or those that figured into the plot: for example, a Cartier bracelet in Alfred Hitchcock's Lifeboat, or a Harry Winston necklace in Notorious. Whether on or off screen, worn by the famed and the legendary, and designed by the most revered houses of the day, all of these jewels take us on a narrative journey that provide fascinating insight into the intriguing worlds of early Hollywood and nobility from the 1920s through today.

A recollection of memories and stories written by the Russian guitar maker Yuriy Shishkov. After his risky departure from the Soviet Union to the USA in 1990, he began working for major guitar companies. This led to many of his instruments finding their place in the hands of famous artists, celebrities, and guitar collectors. This book describes interesting aspects of his life, in detail, covering everything from Soviet daycares to the search for music that was banned by the state. It explains the beginning of his guitar making career in Russia as well as the harsh life of the Soviet people at the time of the Cold War spanning from 1964 until the end of the USSR. Aside from the up-close and personal life story, this autobiography includes unique photos depicting a wide spectrum of his craftsmanship work from Russia and America. A detailed anthology about the reality of the Soviet Union, the challenges faced during this time, and Yuriy's passion to pursue guitar making artistry.

If Nights Could Talk is a rich gothic story of a Southern family, a tale of wealth and emotional need that spans generations. Marsha Recknagel's memoir begins with the surprise appearance of her 16-year-old nephew, Jamie, who arrives on her doorstep and into her ordered, childless life. Fleeing a chaotic home run by Marsha's unstable younger brother and his wife, Jamie is an ominous creature-and the center of an ongoing family tug-of-war. For Marsha, to open the door is to risk opening herself up to the pain of the past. Reluctantly she takes him in. Thus begins the painful, terrifying, and extraordinary process of unraveling the damage inflicted by her family on one of its own.

A new 2023 translation of Denis Diderot's most powerful fictional novel, the Indiscreet Jewels (Les Bijoux indiscrets). This fresh edition of a previously unpublished work also contains an afterword by the translator on Diderot's philosophy, a timeline of his life and works, and a glossary of the philosophic topics which recur in his writings. Diderot's "The Indiscreet Jewels" is a magical-realism novel that tells the story of a magical ring that grants the ability to hear the thoughts and conversations of people during intimate encounters. It has similarities to Voltaire's Philosophical novel Zadig as it is set in an exotic place, but much more vulgar, similar to the works of François Rabelais. This work challenged and censorship, provoking discussions on the freedom of expression and the boundaries of literature. Although the work faced controversy and was condemned by some, it also received praise from intellectuals like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe for its daring and innovative approach to storytelling.

It started with 'happily ever after'. But just three years after Bella's fairy-tale wedding to fun-loving Charlie Wellbeloved, while her best friend, Maddy, is expecting a baby, her own weight gain is purely from comfort eating. Only her little Labrador Dolly can boost her spirits as she gloomily surveys her failing marriage and fledgling interior design business. Dovecot Farm is just a rainstorm away from ruin, but Charlie is hoping against hope his family vineyard will produce a vintage year, saving his business, his childhood home and - most of all - his marriage . When handsome and glamorous Rufus appears in the tight-knit Havenbury community, he quickly charms Bella and makes himself indispensable to Charlie, but he is guarding a secret. But is he really too good to be true.