It might seem funny, given that I’m not a particularly blingy person in daily life (not counting my growing collection of seriously cool ear-rings, which I added to with gusto while on the recent trip!) but when it comes to jewellery in museums I am hopelessly entranced.

I think perhaps it’s a romantic fascination: I am endlessly intrigued by the fact that throughout history, without exception, people have found ways to adorn themselves. As I look at the pieces in the museum, and the photos, I find myself dreaming and wondering about the artisans who made each piece, and the women – and men – who wore them. Who were they? What happened to them as they wore these pieces? What happened ot the amazing artisans who created them? And how can I give them a sinister, fantastical twist?

I acquired a fabulous book from the British Museum – ‘7,000 Years of Jewellery’ – which catalogues their collection. It’s magnificent. And so, I think, are the pieces featured in the photos below, from such diverse collections as the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert, the Museum of Decorative Arts and the Museum of the Middle Ages, both in Paris . Enjoy! Covet! And if you find yourself drooling a little … believe me, you aren’t alone!