Harem Rings: History, Origins & Related Jewelry Styles

Question
Hello.
I have a question about harem rings (harem jewelry). Do you know of any catalogs,albums, magazines, dictionaries or books that enlighten the history of harem ring and source of it's name? Are there any other jewelry styles that traditionally known as "harem"? Where can I read about it and find some illustrations?
Respectfully,
Lisa

Answer
Hello Lisa and thank you for your inquiry. One of the first places I look for information on culture and history is Wikpedia - here is a page you might find interesting

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_the_Ottoman_Empire#Jewelery

Here is another site that you might look to for research -

http://www.sblades.com/In-harem.php

Just copy and paste each url above into your browser address field and hit enter. Amazon.com bookstore online has numerous books on harem culture and jewelry. Once you get onto their site, just use their search for "harem" and quite a few entries are available.

Hope this has helped and good luck !