Sarah is a medieval studies expert whose specialty is mermaids and the myths that surround them. This has made her the go-to mermaid authority for the BBC and dozens of other publications. She founded the Mermaid Isles Project to study the history of these mythological creatures specifically in the British Isles. 

Olivia Cummings, founder of jewellery brand Cleopatra's Bling, talked to Sarah about the very first mermaid symbols, how they’ve been adapted in cultures from Africa to Europe, and across vast swathes of time.

Cleopatra's Bling Podcast was produced by Studio Ochenta, a Paris-based podcast studio dedicated to raising voices across cultures through international podcasts. Original music by Cameron Alva.