Launch of ‘Desert Silver: Understanding Traditional Jewellery from the Middle East and North Africa’

Last night we hosted in the Gallery the London launch of the superb new edition of Desert Silver: Understanding Traditional Jewellery from the Middle East and North Africa by Sigrid van Roode, a Netherlands-based archaeologist and Egyptologist.

The book provides an excellent overview of the silver jewellery worn and places it in the cultural, trade and migration context of the various societies of the region. It is very well written – it is a pleasure to read – and is amply illustrated with examples of jewellery, and plenty of useful maps.

North African & Middle Eastern jewellery is becoming increasingly popular among collectors, but also to wear in a contemporary setting. It is attractive and distinctive but doesn’t put the wearer at risk in the same way as might overt displays of diamonds and gold.

More about Sigrid can be seen at www.bedouinsilver.com, as well as details on how to order Desert Silver.