Gem Pursuit

In this special series of Gem Pursuit, we put a spotlight on some of the most important Cartier pieces of the 20th century, currently on display at the V&A museum in London. In each episode, we take a closer look at a different extraordinary piece, uncovering its story, design, and place in jewellery history. This is your audio guide to the Egyptian Revival scarab brooches, captivating jewels that blend ancient symbolism with 20th-century glamour. These brooches bring to life the fascination with Egypt - AKA Tutmania - that swept through art and design in the early 20th century, inspiring intricate craftsmanship and bold, exotic motifs. They can currently be admired up close in the World Room - the second gallery from the beginning of the exhibition. If you can't make it to the exhibit, check out the V&A website and view the pieces for yourself. www.courtville.ie Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck

In this special series of Gem Pursuit we put a spotlight on some of the most important Cartier pieces of the 20th century which are currently on display at the V&A museum in London. In each episode, we take a closer look at a different extraordinary piece uncovering its story, design, and place in jewellery history. This is your audio guide to the Mountbatten Bandeau, a remarkable jewell for so many reasons: intricately carved gemstones, 'tutti frutti' design, indian inspiration, royal ties, incredible craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Whether you're standing in front of the piece at the museum or listening from the comfort of home, this episode offers a deeper insight into the sparkle behind the glass. It can currently be admired up close in the Gemstone Room, at the V&A exhbition in London, the sixth gallery in sequence from the start of the exhibition. If you can't make it to the exhibit, check out the V&A website and view the pieces for yourself. www.courtville.ie Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck

The second part of our Titanic special looks in detail at two passenger stories from the disaster and what we can learn about their lives and the time period from the jewellery and other personal items that were recovered from the wreck. www.courtville.ie Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck

We all know the story of the sinking of the RMS Titanic but something that's lesser known is what specific jewellery and other luxury items were on board the most opulent ship on earth when it sank to the bottom of the Atlantic. In the first two parts, Matthew and Alyce look closely at some of the insurance claims made after the disaster, which provide an insight into one particularly incredible (and huge!) personal collection which includes Bermese Rubies, Colombian Emeralds and a mysterious Pink Diamond that may have partly inspired Kate Winslet's necklace in the 1997 movie! www.courtville.ie Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck

The third and final part of our St Patrick's series for March (a few days late!). The prevalance of bog in Ireland makes us one of the best places in the world to find the unusual material known as Bog Oak and it makes some amazing jewellery. Matthew and Alyce talk through how Bog Oak is formed, how it has been used to make jewellery and share some of their favourite examples from history. Matthew also shares the incredible story of the Bog Oak piece that was hidden in the shop for 40 years! www.courtville.ie Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck

A special St Patrick's Day episode celebrating what is perhaps one of the most historically significant pieces of Irish jewellery ever discovered. Matthew and Alyce talk through this incredibly intricate and sophisticated piece in detail, giving an insight into its function and importance in Early Medieval Ireland. We also hear the story of its discovery, the origin of the name, and it's lasting impact on jewellery worldwide. www.courtville.ie Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck

Gem Pursuit is doing a special run of Irish-themed episodes for the month of March! In this first one, we explore the courtship and romance of Michael Collins and Kitty Kiernan - a love story set against the backdrop of Ireland's fight for independence. Through published letters and diaries, we journey into the private world of one of Ireland's most significant political and military figures. It reveals a man deeply devoted to his beloved. At the heart of this story lies a symbol of love and loyalty: a diamond engagement ring. Alyce examines the evidence to build up a picture of the piece in question while Matthew explores a possible family connection to its sale! Join us as we uncover the story behind one of Ireland's most iconic engagements. www.courtville.ie Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck

To mark an end to Valentine's weekend, we thought we would do a special Gem Pursuit episode to share a few stories of marriage proposals down through history including the first ever diamond solitaire engagement ring (the real first one!) as well as the fascintating story of how Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora wound up getting hitched. We also discuss some of the sweetest (and funniest) proposal stories shared with us by some of our listeners which includes settings as romantic as a graveyard, a fairy fort and a cowshed! www.courtville.ie Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck

The second and final part of Gem Pursuit's trip to the US of A. In front of a live audience at the Original Miami Beach Antique Show 2025, Matthew spoke with Michael Singer of Windsor Jewellers and Olivier Bachet of the International Antique Jewellers Association (IAJA) who shared their experience of working with antique & signed jewellery, gave some helpful advice to people starting out in the trade and shared some fascinating stories from their years in the business. www.courtville.ie Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck.

Gem Pursuit goes Stateside! In front of a live audience at the Original Miami Beach Antique Show 2025, Matthew and Alyce tell the incredible story of Jack Roland Murphy - AKA Murph the Surf - one of the most notorius jewellery thieves in US history. Hear the details of the infamous heist of the Museum of Natural History in New York where he and his crew managed to steal the Star of India sapphire before it all went horribly wrong... www.courtville.ie Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck.

Matthew and Alyce start off the year with a quick visit to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, one of the most impressive gemstone and mineral collections in the world. Alyce puts Matthew's gem knowledge to the test, while Matthew concentrates on keeping them both out of trouble... www.courtville.ie Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck.

In our final Gem Pursuit episode of the year, we answer some of our listeners burning antique jewellery questions. Matthew and Alyce reveal what's in their own personal collections, clear up which is the most valuable colour for sapphires and shed some light on the significance of colour seasons when choosing that dream piece of jewellery, as well as answering many more insightful questions from the Gem Pursuit community. There may or may not also be a festive duet of Auld Lang Syne to serenade you into 2025... www.courtville.ie Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck.

Our final icon in this series is Alyce's all time favourite, La Doña, Maria Felix, the Mexican film star who was renowned for her exquisite beauty and charisma. Alyce and Matthew discuss her phenomenal jewellery collection which included the Ashoka diamond as well as taking another look at her iconic serpent and crocodile necklaces from Cartier. We also share some important advice on what to look out for when buying serpent jewellery, while Matthew and Alyce go head to head in the final round of Gem Trivial Pursuit! www.courtville.ie Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck.

The life of Evalyn Walsh McLean - a mining heiress and socialite in the early 20th century - is perhaps the quintessential story of the American dream. Her Jewellery Icon status was never in doubt due to her ownership of two of the most legendary diamonds in history - the Hope Diamond and the Star of the East. Matthew and Alyce also discuss the curse of the Hope Diamond and its origins, while Alyce makes it very clear how she feels about jewellery thieves. www.courtville.ie Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck.

In this episode, we shine the spotlight on a modern-day jewellery icon known for her signature flair—Rihanna. Known for her trailblazing style and unapologetic love for luxury, the Caribbean queen has become one of the most captivating jewellery icons of our time. Matthew spills the tea about the time he met Rihanna while Alyce takes the opportunity to once again maneovre the conversation towards tiaras. We also look at a few standout pieces, from her Met Gala stunners to her legendary Superbowl half time show, and explore how she uses antique jewellery to express power, confidence, and individuality. www.courtville.ie Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok The podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck.

In this episode we put the spotlight on the Queen of Diamonds herself - and maybe the most talked about person in the history of the podcast - Elizabeth Taylor. Alyce takes an educated guess at Liz's love language as well as the possible origin of this lifelong fixation while Matthew drools over the jewels. We also provide an alternative perspective on her infamous eight marriages and discuss some of the key pieces in her enormous collection incuding the Krupp Diamond (aka the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond) and the Taylor-Burton Diamond. www.courtville.ie Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok The podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck.

In the first episode of the new Icons of Jewellery series, Matthew and Alyce look at the life and legacy of the iconic French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his immense influence on jewellery. Alyce finds some big clues to Napoleon's attachment style in his love letters to Josephine while Matthew has ample opportunities to display his command of the French language. We also discuss the incredible two-stone 'moi et toi' engagement ring, his so-called 'push present' to his second wife Marie-Louise, the meaning and significance behind his famous laurel leaf crown and why he intentionally made the Pope's crown too small. www.courtville.ie Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok The podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck.

Jewellery and history lovers listen up, we're taking you on a Courtville field trip to one of Ireland's most fascinating museums.  The National Museum of Ireland is filled with 4000 year old treasures and insights into the lives of our ancestors. Matthew and Alyce went to see some of the incredibly preserved jewellery and were absolutely blown away by pieces including incredibly crafted fibula brooches, huge gold torcs and mesmerising lunula. They share what they learned about jewellery in ancient Ireland and the ways it may have been used or worn, along with sharing their favourite pieces.  THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT The extensive collection of the National Museum of Ireland Bronze age jewellery including fibula, torcs and lunulaIntricate and creative craftsmanship that was muted by colonialism Irish Gold, difficult to find but incredible to see Bog preserved bodies and artifacts that give us a look into the past  MORE INFORMATION https://www.courtville.ie/  Social Media IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville QUOTES Sometimes you forget, in little old Ireland, these gems that we have here. - Matthew Weldon  It's really crazy to think that people were walking around wearing these at 700 BC. - Alyce Ketcher  It's a very high level of intelligence, to be able to create these things, or even have in your mind to design and then create it with the materials that you have at hand. - Alyce Ketcher  We have so much gold! - Matthew Weldon The gold, the bronze, the other metals and the other items that are found, it gives us a really good indication of how people lived back then. So we're very thankful for the bogs. - Alyce Ketcher  KEYWORDS #gold #bog #ireland #jewellery #bronzeage #dublin #museum

One of the best places to find unique and special pieces of jewellery is at antique fairs.  At Courtville, they're one of our absolute favourite things, both to shop and showcase at,  and we've visited some of the best in the world! They are a haven for antique jewellery lovers and in this episode Matthew and Alyce have got all of the top tips for beginners and seasoned collectors alike. From types of fairs to dealer etiquette, to honing to skills to spot a diamond in the rough, this is a must listen for your next trip to an antiques fair.  THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT Understanding the different types of antique fairsPreparation for navigating the trade fair experienceSpotting hidden gems and avoiding dudsHow to work with dealers to ensure a rewarding experienceThe top antique jewellery fairs to attend from Matthew and Alyce's favourites MORE INFORMATION https://www.courtville.ie/  IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville QUOTES It's really for those who are really interested in jewellery, whether you're a collector of jewellery, a lover of jewellery, a connoisseur, or if you're in the industry itself. It's a great way to see what pricing is like, what tools are available, what certification standards are expected, and what trends are currently happening. - Alyce Ketcher Anyone who's ever applied here or inquired about work, the real indicator for me that they have a real interest in antique jewellery is that they've gone to a fair. - Matthew Weldon Don't go mad. Sit within what's comfortable, and do not go over it. It's really easy at first to get carried away.  - Alyce Ketcher  If you have an emotional connection to it, I think that's definitely one to go for. - Matthew Weldon  If it's dear today, it'll be dearer tomorrow, and if it's cheap today, it'll be cheaper tomorrow. - Matthew Weldon KEYWORDS #antique #fair #jewellery #tradeshow #cartier #tips #vintage

Jewellery has played a big role in some of our favourite Hollywood movies, with some pieces creating massive cultural influence and connecting with audiences.  Matthew and Alyce are taking you to the big screen to look at some of the most iconic pieces and why they have captivated us in classic films. From sparkling ruby slippers to huge diamond necklaces, we share the history and craft behind them and their importance to the story. Matthew and Alyce also talk about the unchangeable nature of jewellery throughout time and how that makes tangible connections for us, whether with family, history or movie stars.  THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT Jewellerys role in Hollywood storytellingThe iconic brooch that glistened in black and white CasablancaSparkling ruby slippers later recreated with real rubies Moulin Rouge's Satine necklace and it's intricate designThe Tiffany Yellow Diamond and notable women who have worn it MORE INFORMATION https://www.courtville.ie/  Casablanca Brooch  https://pl-collection.com/products/flato-the-casablanca-brooch  Moulin Rouge Necklace  https://kathleenlynagh.com/jewelry/satines-necklace-by-canturi-for-moulin-rouge  Dorothy's Ruby Slippers  https://www.si.edu/object/dorothys-ruby-slippers%3Anmah_670130 Tiffany Yellow Diamond  https://www.tatler.com/article/lady-gaga-tiffany-diamond-oscars-audrey-hepburn   Social Media IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville QUOTES Because of the story that jewels are able to help tell, they're connected to some of the most important moments in people's lives. Alyce Ketcher Jewellery connects us in such a tangible way, and then they live through onto the next generation. And it's these stories that really have inspired so many films to be created. - Alyce Ketcher  Although the times have changed and the stories have come and gone. The jewellery has never actually changed. So I think it's the permanence of it. - Matthew Weldon  It's interesting that it's created specifically for that film, and it's actually real jewels. A lot of jewellery in the films that we looked at weren't actually real jewellery, and then they were recreated subsequently. - Matthew Weldon  It's all about what you aspire to have, it's about the things that you desire. That's what the whole film is about. - Alyce Ketcher  KEYWORDS #jewellery #film #tiffany #casablanca #rubyslippers #diamond #movie #audreyhepburn

Paris is home to one of the most high profile names and design houses associated with fine jewellery in history, the iconic Cartier.  This week Matthew and Alyce are taking a deep dive into the world of Cartier with a very special guest. Olivier Bachet is a Cartier expert and author of two books on their incredible work, including his most recent, ‘In The Beginning Was The Line; Cartier Art Deco Drawings 1910-1930.'   Olivier shares the process of Cartier designs during this period, including the colourful influence of Charles Jacqueau, and why the sophisticated world of early 1900s Paris was such a special time for jewellery. He also shares his tips on how to spot an authentic piece if you're lucky enough to come across one for your collection.  THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT Cartier's Art Deco Drawings 1910-1930How one young designer influenced huge change in Cartier designs The impact of globalisation on modern jewellery design Jewellery etiquette and cultural influences in this sophisticated timeWhat creative inspiration is found in the design library of Cartier designers  MORE INFORMATION https://www.courtville.ie/  In The Beginning Was The Line, Cartier, Art Deco Drawings 1910-1930 By Olivier Bachet https://iaja-expertise.com/books/  Social Media IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville QUOTES Paris is the navel of the world. It was definitely the case in 1900. If you wanted to start an artistic career, you had to go to Paris. - Olivier Bachet  What he liked, Charles Jaco, mainly was colours. Before 1909 Cartier jewellery was only white, it was made only in platinum and diamonds. So when Charles Jaco arrived in the company he decided to put colours in the jewellery. - Olivier Bachet  Cartier became, in 20 years time, the most famous jewellery brand in the world. - Olivier Bachet  The big difference between nowadays and these times, 100 years ago, is sophistication. - Olivier Bachet  Cartier was producing jewellery with its own taste. The idea behind it was, let's make jewellery that will be recognizable everywhere in the world with our style. - Olivier Bachet  KEYWORDS #jewellery #paris #design #cartier #drawings #production

Paris is one of the most amazing cities in the world to visit museums and galleries full of antiques, jewellery and history. One of the most fascinating histories of France is the story of their Crown Jewels.  Matthew and Alyce were lucky enough to see some of what's left of the French Crown Jewels on their recent business trip to Paris. In this episode they take you on the winding journey of where the collection came from, and more importantly ask the question of where they all are today. Being known for featuring some of the most beautiful diamonds in the world with incredible provenance, Matthew and Alyce share their favourite pieces from the collection, along with where you can visit them for yourself.  THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT The history and significance of the French crown jewelsWhy the majority of the French crown jewel collection was sold at an 1887 auctionIncredibly famous and valuable diamonds from the collection Where you can see the remaining pieces of the collection Lost jewels that have recently been discovered in auctions or private collections MORE INFORMATION https://www.courtville.ie/  A French Belle Epoque sapphire and diamond double row cluster ring in platinum. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8UAu0hMloP/?img_index=1  The French Crown Jewels in The Galerie d'Apollon https://www.louvre.fr/en/explore/the-palace/sun-gold-and-diamonds  Social Media IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville QUOTES We've actually recently seen these pieces in the flesh. But it's important to get an understanding of the history of these pieces, because the French crown jewels definitely had a lot of ups and downs and they accumulated slowly. - Matthew Weldon  I think that's really important to mention for these particular jewels, we think it's a little bit of an icky story. Well, it doesn't really matter. If it's beautiful, people can overlook the ‘ick'. - Alyce Ketcher  When it was acquired by the French family in 1661, it was considered one of the most beautiful diamonds in the world. - Alyce Ketcher  What I really like about some of these old, iconic diamonds is that they're not shaped like any other stone. - Matthew Weldon  Where are the crown jewels today? Anybody could have a piece on and not know, that's the truth of it. - Alyce Ketcher  KEYWORDS #crownjewels #diamond #gemstones #louvre #history #france #royalfamily

Paris is always a good idea and no antique and jewellery lover's trip to this beautiful city would be complete without visiting the Louvre Gallery.  On a recent business trip Matthew and Alyce got to visit some of the most iconic spots in Paris for history, antiques and jewellery. Having walked 20,000 steps around the Louvre, they saw some incredible pieces and have all of the tips, tricks and must-sees for anyone who plans to visit. Although it would be impossible to see the full 35,000 strong collection of the museum, they reveal their favourite takeaways, including a room full of royal jewels, the unique architecture of the building and the world's most famous painting. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT The history of how a royal palace became the iconic Louvre GalleryHighlights from the 35,000 piece collection in the gallery Why the world's most famous painting is so special The Apollo Gallery, home to the French Crown Jewels Top tips and must-sees for visiting the Louvre Gallery  MORE INFORMATION https://www.courtville.ie/  Social Media IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville QUOTES It's a museum today, but it did have a longer history where it was a royal palace. It was built at the end of the 11th century, start of the 12th century. That blows my mind, because it's 800 years ago, and it looks incredibly contemporary for that time period. - Matthew Weldon   Even if you removed all of the artwork that is inside of it, all of the sculptures and the beautiful antiquities and everything from it, the palace itself would still be a destination to see in itself. - Alyce Ketcher  When we walked into that room to see the Mona Lisa, she was smiling at everybody. Her smile was not just for us. - Alyce Ketcher  The masterpiece that struck me as well because of its sheer scale and because of the jewellery in the photos, was the coronation of Napoleon portrait. - Matthew Weldon  KEYWORDS #louvre #monalisa #museum #masterpiece #french #gallery #palace #artwork #jewellery

If you are a lover of antique jewellery there are some really special places where you can see the best of the best of antique and vintage pieces, and today we've got a recommendation for you.  The Gem Pursuit team recently took a business trip to beautiful Paris and while on their travels they visited the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. The museum houses pieces from some of the most iconic artists and designers such as René Lalique, Georges Fouquet, Henri Vever. Matthew is joined by a very special guest, our researcher Véronique Goguen, who travelled all the way from Paris to record with us in Dublin. They give you an in depth guide on visiting the museum, the pieces you should be looking out for and the ones that really grabbed their attention on their visit.  THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT The incredible, diverse collection at the Musée des Arts DécoratifsWhat you can see from artists such as René Lalique, Georges Fouquet, Henri VeverThe history of how the 5000 strong collection was obtained A jewellery piece that revealed a hidden love affair Tips for visiting the Musée des Arts Décoratifs MORE INFORMATION A French Belle Epoque sapphire and diamond ring  https://www.instagram.com/p/C8UAu0hMloP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  An antique French diamond set ring https://www.instagram.com/p/C8PqorQPfKW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==    Henri Vever's Sylvia https://www.vever.com/en/pages/sylvia  Social Media IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville QUOTES The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is definitely renowned for its prestigious art nouveau collection. - Véronique Goguen The pieces and the artists who also make them, they're really where jewellery transcends art. - Matthew Weldon  This was a hidden love story. It's only when the son that was born from this affair donated the piece to the museum that they were able to confirm this secret love affair. - Véronique Goguen If you can find a piece of jewellery and get the original gouaché drawing with it, it's extra special. - Matthew Weldon  KEYWORDS #paris #jewellery #artnouveau #brooches #jewels #louvre #french #MuséedesArtsDécoratifs

As we come to the end of our mysterious and magical pursuit through the Victorian period, we're looking at an era that collectors are most likely to have pieces from.  Today we're exploring the Aesthetic Era, which was led by radical artists and designers who wanted to break away from the strict norms and traditional morals of the time. Matthew takes us through the changes happening in the world at the time, from technology to discoveries and lifestyle, that demanded for new ways of design and was embraced by craftspeople. He explains the iconic motifs of this era and his trade tips for spotting the beautiful pieces from this time.  THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT Cultural changes and rebellions that led to the Aesthetic Period Technology, discoveries and ways of life that impacted how jewellery was madeIconic motifs of the Aesthetic era The crafting ideas of art for art's sake Trade tips and tricks, including what hallmarking can tell us  MORE INFORMATION Courtville Victorian Collection  https://www.courtville.ie/victorian/ Gypsy rings  https://www.courtville.ie/?match=all&subcats=Y&pcode_from_q=Y&pshort=Y&pfull=Y&pname=Y&pkeywords=Y&search_performed=Y&search_id=&q=gypsy+ring&dispatch=products.search Social Media IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville QUOTES I'm super excited about this one because it is the time period where if you have an interest in antique jewellery or you know, you're going to different sales or antique fairs or shops, this is where you will actually have a chance of encountering pieces from this era. - Matthew Weldon  The aesthetic period was almost a backlash against these kinds of these stuffy or stiff fashions and values, which is really defined by the previous part of the Victorian era. - Matthew Weldon  This is what the Aesthetic period was about, it was art for art's sake. Things have to be handmade. It was an environment where the crafts-person could make it from scratch to the finished product. - Matthew Weldon  KEYWORDS #jewellery #queenvictoria #victorian #diamonds #victorianperiod #antiquejewellery #pearls

As we continue on our mysterious and magical pursuit through the Victorian period, we're taking a look at the mini-eras defined during the reign of Queen Victoria.  Today we're moving on from the Romantic era into the Grand era, which began with the sudden death of Prince Albert and was defined by advancements in technology, travel and ancient inspiration. Matthew and Alyce explain the ways of the world during this time period and recognisable elements found in jewellery from the U.K., some which have origins further afield. They of course have some trade tips to help you discover and date pieces for your own collection too.  THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT Tragic changes in Queen Victoria's life that started The Grand Period The influence of technological advancements in light and travel Worldly treasures brought home by explorers on The Grand Tour Revivals inspired by a fascination ancient world discoveriesMore availability and innovation for diamonds, opals, silver and more  MORE INFORMATION Courtville Victorian Collection  https://www.courtville.ie/victorian/ Gem Pursuit Fine Goldwork episode:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/6K3cvcs5J3pDjtsI3YFtDM?si=645389ef9a354277b  Social Media IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville QUOTES The most unexpected thing happens, which is the loss of her husband, Prince Albert in 1861. It was a huge shock to the whole family, but in particular to Victoria, who I believe never really recovered from this. - Alyce Ketcher  What fascinated me about what was going on at this time period was the rate of technological change. - Matthew Weldon  All of these items, we still see them today, so they are beloved pieces and souvenirs that were collected during The Grand Tour and would have had sentimental value. - Alyce Ketcher  At this time period, people were super interested, even obsessed, with the ancient world. And there was lots of archaeological finds as well, which spurred this even further. - Matthew Weldon  KEYWORDS #jewellery #queenvictoria #victorian #diamonds #victorianperiod #grandtour #silver

One of the most well-known jewellery movements is defined by the reign of Britain's Queen Victoria. Having sat on the throne for 63 years, the Queen's personality, life and interests inspired many evolving trends in the world.  Over this mini-series, we'll be taking a closer look at the eras of the Queen's reign, with this episode focusing on the Romantic era. Matthew and Alyce describe what was happening in Queen Victoria's life at this time, along with advancements in travel and technology in the world. They take a look at some of her most precious pieces and share trade tips for how you can find the best of this era for your own collection.  THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT The diverse eras within the Victorian movement How Queen Victoria's courtship inspired the romantic era Sentimental jewellery as an important gifts in romantic etiquette Recognisable romantic motifs and gemstones Trade tips for finding quality pieces from this era  MORE INFORMATION Courtville Victorian Collection  https://www.courtville.ie/victorian/ Social Media IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville QUOTES The reason we're going to break down the Victorian era over this little mini series, is because Queen Victoria, or the Victorian era, was from 1837 to 1901, which is obviously a very long time. - Matthew Weldon  It's vital to realise how influential she was to each of these periods, and her feelings at the time, what she was doing, what she was going through, that came through in fashion and in the jewellery - Matthew Weldon  Queen Victoria is fundamental in bringing sentimentality into jewellery. - Alyce Ketcher She's the first influencer, 100%. Magazines want to see what she's wearing, what she's doing and put them in this magazine, and then emulate it and sell the goods throughout the kingdom. It's really interesting to see how human nature actually hasn't changed very much. - Alyce Ketcher  KEYWORDS #jewellery #queenvictoria #romanticera #victorian #gemstones #etiquette

Courtville recently displayed at an incredible antiques fair in the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York and our very own Alyce got to check out an exhibition of one of the most prestigious art deco artists while on her travels.  Tamara de Lempicka had a fascinating life, one that has now been made into a broadway musical. Her unique, standout style had a lasting impact on the Art Deco movement, and her own collection of art, jewellery and antiques is heavily influenced by artists of the time.  Alyce takes us with her on her exploration of Lempicka in NYC, from Broadway to the Sotheby's exhibition, along with sharing what she learned about this formidable female icon.  THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT The story of Tamara de Lempicka's life Flourishing in the Art Deco period in Paris Lempicka's stand out style compared to other art deco artists Art deco jewellery featured in Lempicka's art work and personal collection Visiting the Tamara de Lempicka exhibition in Sotheby's NYC  MORE INFORMATION Tamara de Lempicka Exhibition  https://www.sothebys.com/en/digital-catalogues/the-world-of-tamara-a-celebration-of-lempicka-art-deco Social Media IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville.ie by dustpod.io QUOTES Her name is synonymous with the art in which she created and has for a long time lived on the fringes of pop culture. - Alyce Ketcher  When we look at her pieces, she is probably the only artist who has ever really taken the essence of the Art Deco period, and actually put it on canvas. - Alyce Ketcher  Tamara de Lempicka was known for enjoying all the things of the Art Deco period, and that was not limited to fashion that you wore, but also jewels that glittered and accessorized those outfits. Many of her portraits will have gorgeous pieces of jewellery. - Alyce Ketcher  KEYWORDS #artdeco #artwork #jewellery #paris #artist #antique

One of the beauties of antique jewellery is that it can serve as a reminder of defining moments or movements in history that led to truly unique pieces. Today, we're taking a look at the jewellery that was inspired by and created for the suffragette movement in the UK. These political pieces are some of the most collectible antique jewellery you will come across and are an important reminder of the fight for women's right to vote in the early 20th century. Matthew and Alyce take a look at the origin of the suffrage movement, including why jewellery became such an important part of their protest and honour the incredible women who gave up their lives to fight for the cause.  THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT The origin of the Suffragette movement Colours and gemstones typical to suffragette pieces Trade tips for collecting the incredibly rare suffragette jewellery A badge of honour brooch for political prisoners of the movement Iconic women of the suffragette movement and jewellery they created  MORE INFORMATION Sylvia Pankhurst Holloway Prison Brooch https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/holloway-prison-brooch-279701  Suffragette necklace available at Courtville Antiques  https://www.instagram.com/p/C5QUUTZCM_J/ Social Media IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville QUOTES The fact that they were willing to go to these extreme lengths to gain their rights is very inspiring, and of course, it inspired not only that movement, but a jewellery movement as well. - Alyce Ketcher I think the key factor for a suffragette piece of jewellery comes down to the colors really. - Matthew Weldon  My trade tip for you is if you're looking at a suffragette piece, it wants to be in the arts and crafts style, Art Nouveau style or Edwardian style and yellow gold or silver. - Alyce Ketcher  Sylvia Pankhurst actually designs a brooch. Now referred to as the Holloway prison brooch, they were given to suffragettes who were incarcerated at Holloway prison as kind of like a badge of honor. - Alyce Ketcher  KEYWORDS #suffragette #women #jewellery #edwardian #suffrage #brooch

Unlike the fleeting trends of the modern day, antique jewellery comes from times of defined eras and movements that inspired many artists and makers.  We've covered jewellery eras in a past series but we never got to dive into this incredible movement that shaped art, design, architecture and of course jewellery. Although sometimes considered an acquired taste, art nouveau can be appreciated for its unique, beautiful style and the talent it took to create. Matthew and Alyce look back at the evolution of the movement and how it was influenced by worldly events, along with why the style was considered progressive or even risqué. They also share their favourite icons of the era and offer trade tips on how to add some pieces to your own collection.  THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT Art movements compared to fleeting modern trends The worldly influences on the Art Nouveau evolution Defining the style with free flowing lines and nature inspiration Trade tips for adding Art Nouveau pieces to your collection Icons of the era: Fouquet and Lalique MORE INFORMATION French Art Nouveau ring featuring Colombian emerald cabochon https://www.instagram.com/p/CwubyTLo2Jl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Art Nouveau coin ring featuring a whimsical woman adorning a diamond necklace https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1uMGd-suae/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Social Media IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville  Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville by Dustpod.io. QUOTES When I think about movements from the past, it's a lot like something going viral on Instagram or something going viral on social media today. - Alyce Ketcher  When I think of Art Nouveau, you've really got to set the scene in terms of what's going on in the world that actually led to this movement. - Matthew Weldon  The free flowing lines, the female body, the insects, the imagination, and the almost fantasy style. You can really appreciate it and Art Nouveau as an art form,  - Matthew Weldon  You cannot talk about Art Nouveau without talking about my icon, it's impossible. And what's really interesting about my icon is that he kind of never set out to be a jeweller. - Alyce Kethcer  KEYWORDS #artnouveau #jewellery #design #jewel #enamel #art

We're back with a very special bonus episode of our Royal Regalia: A History of Splendour series after a listener request for an episode on the crown jewels of Sweden.  Sweden's Kingdom has a history spanning over 1000 years. The protected jewel collection features some of the most impressive parures and tiaras you'll ever see, including a bejeweled, cowboy-esque crown.  Matthew and Alyce dive into the country's unique, multinational history and trace back the origins of some of their spectacular pieces. They also share their favourites of the collection, highlighting beautiful detailed cameos and an incredible rare gemstone.  THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT Sweden's multinational royal history How Sweden came to have a French family name on the throne The establishment of the Swedish ‘fideikomiss' to protect their jewels A bejeweled cowboy hat fit for future kings and queens Unique collection pieces including detailed cameos and unusual gemstones MORE INFORMATION The Swedish Royal Regalia  https://www.kungahuset.se/english/royal-cultural-heritage  The Swedish State Regalia  https://www.kungligaslotten.se/4.35bccc2161be12b93e3387.html?archive=3.35bccc2161be12b93e3583#svid10_46ca39931600d1b7b982f3  King Karl X Gustav's Crown of the Heir Apparent https://www.kungligaslotten.se/english/archives/the-state-regalia/2020-03-16-king-karl-x-gustavs-crown-of-the-heir-apparent.html  Pink Topaz Parure  https://www.thecourtjeweller.com/2022/11/spectacular-swedish-pink-topazes-for-queen-silvia.html  Cameo Tiara  https://www.thecourtjeweller.com/2021/02/the-stories-of-swedens-romantic-cameo.html  Social Media IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville  Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville by Dustpod.io. QUOTES The connections in the Swedish Royal Family to the Danish, the British, the Norwegian, I mean, their family trees read like a bowl of spaghetti. - Alyce Ketcher  The whole point was that these jewels that were left in this collection had to stay within the family. Whoever inherited them had to pass them on to the next one, you couldn't do anything with them. So they were kind of yours, but they had to stay as property of the Swedish crown. - Matthew Weldon  One thing that I really love about the about Scandinavia royal families, the Scandies, they're not afraid to wear a good tiara.  - Alyce Ketcher  KEYWORDS #tiara #sweden #crown #jewels #royalregalia #king #cameos #diamonds #royalfamily

We have come to the end of our special series ‘Royal Regalia: A History of Splendour' and for our final episode we're taking a look at some jewels close to home.  Although you may not have known this country would have crown jewels, we'll find out the history that led to their establishment, how they trace back to British royal regalia and the suspicious circumstances of their mysterious disappearance, which is still unsolved to this day.  Matthew and Alyce are joined by a very special guest for this episode, leading expert on Irish silver and antique jewellery Jimmy Weldon, who has a familial link to the case of the missing jewels and is also Matthew's father. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT The complicated colonial relationship led to Ireland's crown jewel collectionHow provenance unimaginably inflates the value of crown jewels  A series of questionable events that led to their mysterious disappearanceWho would technically have ownership of the jewels if they were discovered The Weldon family link to this curious case MORE INFORMATION The Irish Crown Jewels  https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/irish-crown-jewels-stolen https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-62924392   Social Media IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville  Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville by Dustpod.io. QUOTES It can be described almost as mystical. It's like they're like a mountain stream, where today we're talking about D color diamonds being the finest, in the old times they used to speak of diamonds being of the first water. - Jimmy Weldon  The key to understanding the Irish Crown Jewels, you can't mention them without mentioning that they're gone. - Matthew Weldon  This is fascinating to have a direct link to the possible recovery of such important jewels, especially to the country. But what do we think really happened to them? - Alyce Kethcer  KEYWORDS #crownjewels #ireland #dublincastle #royal #diamonds #history

We're just over half way through our short series, Royal Regalia: A History Of Splendour, looking at the stories and histories behind some of the world's most famous crown jewels. Today, we look at a collection shroud in family spats and colonial controversy.  The British Royal Family has always been subject to criticism and the history of their jewel collections are no different. From questions around ownership to some of the most impressive emeralds with a questionable backstory. Matthew and Alyce dive into the mysterious acquisitions of this collection, including the messy lineage of the royal family. They also reveal their favourite pieces and where you can see these fantastic royal jewels for yourself.  THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT The UK's strained royal family lineage The controversial origins of the British Royal Family collections A mystery of emeralds and diamonds in the Queen's negligeeQueen Victoria's sentimental heirloom worn by five different queensWhere you can see the British royal regalia, or at least what we know of it   MORE INFORMATION Cullinan Diamonds https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geology/cullinan-diamond.htm  Prince Albert's Brooch  https://www.thecourtjeweller.com/2019/08/prince-alberts-brooch.html  Social Media IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville  Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville by Dustpod.io. QUOTES We have a lot to thank for the marriages that came into the British Royal Family. A lot of the marriages brought extremely wealthy women into the Kingdom, who brought their own jewels that were bequeathed to them from other royal families. - Alyce Ketcher  The scepter holds the largest of the Cullinan diamonds, and the largest cut diamond in the world, 530 carats. The weight of these things as well is just incredible. - Alyce Ketcher  The Scottish regalia is also a part of the British Royal Family. It's a little bit controversial, but does it really belong to the British Royal Family? - Alyce Ketcher There's those pieces that in a way might even be more important to the people who get them because it's specific to them - Matthew Weldon It is said that it's bad luck for any man to wear that diamond - Matthew Weldon  I would say you're absolutely right, there are pieces that we don't see because it actually would just be too controversial. - Matthew Weldon  I can imagine when you wear something like this, you would feel otherworldly. It is just a magnificent piece. - Alyce Ketcher  KEYWORDS #royalfamily #diamonds #crownjewels #emeralds #queenvictoria #royalregalia #jewellery

We're continuing on our magical and mysterious pursuit through the world of royal jewellery and this week, we're talking about a collection of crown jewels that has been accumulating over many centuries. The Iranian National Jewels stand as one of the world's most expensive and extensive collections in the world. Matthew and Alyce examine their tumultuous history and decadent taste, including how the royal family ended up with the largest pink diamond known to man and the indulgent party that eventually led to their exile from Iran. They also share their favourite pieces and, of course, let you know where you can see the collection for yourself.   THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT The centuries of history of Iranian royalty Iran's extensive collection of lavish jewelled pieces A solid gold golden globe to house your loose gemstones The decadent party that led to Iranian royal family exile A two kilogram tiara with the world's largest pink diamond  MORE INFORMATION Iranian National Jewels  https://www.iransafar.co/iran-national-jewels-museum/  https://raseef22.net/english/article/1092915-irans-royal-jewels-a-dazzling-legacy-of-persian-kings-and-queens  Noor-ul-Ain Tiara https://royalwatcherblog.com/2023/10/14/noor-ul-ain-tiara/?utm_content=cmp-true  Social Media IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville by Dustpod.io. QUOTES It's always super important that we get the context of how these Crown Jewels got to where they actually are today. The Iranian Crown Jewels date back centuries, and it is super extensive and one of the most impressive collections we are going to see. - Matthew Weldon  It's pretty vast, and it has some of those important gemstones in history, as well as also having a lot of men's jewels. - Matthew Weldon  It's literally stuff out of fairy tales. These are not your normal pieces of jewellery. This is historical, otherworldly jewels. - Alyce Ketcher  What didn't they put jewels in? They put them in everything - Matthew Weldon, Alyce Ketcher These two stones, not only historically, but the fact that they are fancy Pink Diamonds, they are the largest in the world, it's thought that there is no way to actually put a value on them. - Alyce Ketcher HOST DETAILS Matthew Weldon took over Courtville in 2018 and continues today the rich legacy left behind by Kitten and Grainne. The Weldon family tree boasts a rich history of Irish jewellers going back over 135 years. Learning from a young age about the industry from his father, Matthew quickly gained a skilled eye and an appreciation for quality. Seeking to further his knowledge and expertise Matthew gained a degree in marketing and French which led to a short career as a chartered accountant. But with such a draw to antique and vintage jewellery it was inevitable that Matthew would continue the family tradition and build a business of his own. Like generations before, Matthew looks for the exceptional, rare and intriguing pieces and always ensures beauty, quality and fair prices. Alyce Ketcher has been working with jewels for over 15 years. During her time within the jewellery industry she has worked in Australia, New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom and Ireland and gained qualifications through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (GEM-A). As a qualified gemologist Alyce is able to use her extensive knowledge of diamonds and gemstones to identify and value jewellery from all periods. Working with antique and vintage jewels is her passion, and you can often find her researching hallmarks, inspecting gemstones or writing about our latest find. KEYWORDS #dynasty #royalfamily #iran #history #crownjewels #goldenglobe #jewellery #gemstones 

This season we're taking a magical and mysterious pursuit through the world of Royal Regalia: A History of Splendour, a topic that has been long-awaited and requested many times from our wonderful listeners.  In the first episode of this season we're taking a look at a country with one of the most magnificent histories and royal jewel collections, Denmark.  Matthew and Alyce dive into the incredible collection and the fascinating stories that accompany it, including how Denmark acquired jewels from other countries, along with explaining the historical lineage and ownership within the families, where you can see these beautiful garnitures and their personal favourite pieces.  THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT A brief history of the Danish Royal Family lineageThe Danish Crown Jewels collection Measuring jewels on centuries of history over carats, like Queen MargretheHow a French General's ruby parure ended up in Denmark The newly crowned Queen of Denmark's thoughtful wedding gift  MORE INFORMATION Denmark's Crown Jewels  https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/royal-collections/the-crown-jewels/  Crown Jewels and Danish Royal Property Trust Jewellery https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/crown-jewels-and-danish-royal-property-trust-jewellery  Christian IV's crown https://www.kongernessamling.dk/en/rosenborg/object/christian-ivs-crown/  Social Media IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville  Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville by Dustpod.io. QUOTES The jewellery is intrinsically linked to the history of any of the houses and it is through history that a lot of these jewels end up being in certain collections. - Matthew Weldon  This is a serious collection. What I love about Queen Margaret, she's on record as saying, about the jewellery, that she doesn't count the carats, she counts the centuries. - Matthew Weldon When you look at the history behind their jewellery, the way that they've been able to keep their hands on some of these items is beyond amazing. - Alyce Ketcher  All jewels tell a story, and this particular piece really is such a standout piece from their collection, it is so important to the family. - Alyce Ketcher  HOST DETAILS Matthew Weldon took over Courtville in 2018 and continues today the rich legacy left behind by Kitten and Grainne. The Weldon family tree boasts a rich history of Irish jewellers going back over 135 years. Learning from a young age about the industry from his father, Matthew quickly gained a skilled eye and an appreciation for quality. Seeking to further his knowledge and expertise Matthew gained a degree in marketing and French which led to a short career as a chartered accountant. But with such a draw to antique and vintage jewellery it was inevitable that Matthew would continue the family tradition and build a business of his own. Like generations before, Matthew looks for the exceptional, rare and intriguing pieces and always ensures beauty, quality and fair prices. Alyce Ketcher has been working with jewels for over 15 years. During her time within the jewellery industry she has worked in Australia, New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom and Ireland and gained qualifications through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (GEM-A). As a qualified gemologist Alyce is able to use her extensive knowledge of diamonds and gemstones to identify and value jewellery from all periods. Working with antique and vintage jewels is her passion, and you can often find her researching hallmarks, inspecting gemstones or writing about our latest find. KEYWORDS #royaljewels #royalfamily #queen #denmark #crown #diamonds #crownjewels #jewellery

For avid jewellery collectors it can sometimes feel like a piece finds its way to you without even having to look for it. That was certainly the case for Victoria Waller, a passionate and knowledgeable collector who received a very unique and special piece just a week after her mother passed away.  Victoria shares the incredible story of how her namesake Queen Victoria's rare Coburg Eagle landed in her hands and the amazing history that came with it. Having crossed paths at many international jewellery shows, Matthew and Victoria also share their top tips and tricks for visiting shows and what to look out for when starting your own collection.  THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT Queen Victoria's rare Coburg Eagle How jewellery sometimes finds its way to you Victoria's unique and fascinating collectionTips and tricks for visiting jewellery shows The importance of building relationships in the world of antique jewellery  GUEST DETAILS Dr. Victoria Waller is an educational therapist, teacher and avid jewellery collector. https://www.drvictoriawaller.com/  MORE INFORMATION Queen Victoria's Coburg Eagle  https://www.bmimages.com/preview.asp?image=00863536001  Social Media IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville  Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville by Dustpod.io. QUOTES The jewelry sometimes picks you, it just presents itself to you. - Matthew Weldon  You can't buy taste. You either have it or you don't. - Victoria Waller  It came to me the week after my mother passed away. It was just one of those things it's called meant to be. - Victoria Waller  We never really own these pieces, we just guard them for one more generation, and then someone else gets to enjoy. - Matthew Weldon  KEYWORDS #jewellery #queenvictoria #brooch #provenance #coburgeagle 

The world of antique jewellery is both magical and mysterious, and Gem Pursuit is always trying to help you develop your own understanding, and your collection! Whether you're new to antique jewellery, or a collector trying to broaden your knowledge, Matthew and Alyce are bringing you the ultimate book to guide you. John Benjamin's ‘Starting to Collect Antique Jewellery' has been hugely influential for both our hosts and they break down all the best bits, biggest learnings and words of caution as you begin your own pursuit. If you're looking to put a bit of know-how behind your passion for antiques, this is the place to start.   THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT ●       What you can gain from John Benjamin's book ●       Learning how to correctly look after antique pieces ●       Broadening your knowledge of different techniques and time periods ●       Valuing jewellery and how it's changed through time ●       How collectors, dealers and enthusiasts can always learn something new MORE INFORMATION Starting to Collect Antique Jewellery by John Benjamin https://www.amazon.co.uk/Starting-Collect-Antique-Jewellery-Benjamin/dp/1851494073 New York Times Feature https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz6QNbGs56x/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Star piece of the year https://www.instagram.com/reel/CoPalZnDT2U/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== SOCIAL MEDIA  ●    IG - @CourtvilleAntiques ●    FB - @Courtvilleantiques ●    Tik Tok - @matthew.weldon    ●    YouTube - @courtvilleantique ●    Pinterest - @courtville Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville by Dustpod.io. QUOTES This is a tool in the belt. We need reference books like this that help us to understand what we're seeing, especially when things in the antique jewelry world are so unique. - Alyce Ketcher This is one thing that I'd say to anybody who's getting into antique jewelry. There is always an exception to every rule that you have. - Alyce Ketcher Even the collector, the enthusiasts, who would have broad knowledge, you'll pick up something every time you read it, about one of the slightly more obscure pieces, and I think it's fantastic for that. - Matthew Weldon John Benjamin, the detailed guide that he's put together here has become like an old friend to me, really, over the years. - Alyce Ketcher KEYWORDS #antiquejewellery #bookreview #victorian #mosaics #gemstone

It's the most wonderful time of the year and as a little gift from Gem Pursuit to you this festive season we've got a very special edition of Gem Trivial Pursuit! Matthew and Alyce go head to head to see who is the greatest quizmas master of all and not with some laughs, and questionable knowledge, along the way. Find out what year the Hallmark cards began, which country really believes in the power of mistletoe and how many reindeer Santa actually had. Wishing you and yours a very happy festive season from everyone at Courtville Antiques. MORE INFORMATION Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville by Dustpod.io. SOCIAL MEDIA  ●    IG - @CourtvilleAntiques ●    FB - @Courtvilleantiques ●    Tik Tok - @matthew.weldon    ●    YouTube - @courtvilleantique ●    Pinterest - @courtville  KEYWORDS #Christmas #Quiz #Reindeer #Jewellery #trivalpursuit

‘Tis the season and for our bonus episode of Season Eight Matthew and Alyce take a look at the history of gift giving from the Three Wise Men to Napoleon. Gift giving can be traced back to 40,000 years ago, with figures made of woolly mammoth ivory. From the thoughtful gifts of the three wise men, to one of the biggest rubies ever documented and even the classic pearls of a fashion icon, Matthew and Alyce share the fascinating stories of some unique, beautiful and sometimes terrifying gifts throughout time. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT ●       The Russian imperial history behind the classic pearls of a fashion icon ●       A 40,000 year old gift, one of the earliest examples of figurative design in human history. ●       A flamenco dancer turned Maharani with her eye on an elephant's emerald ●       The three wise men and their gifts for a newborn king ●       Napoleon III's shamed mistress and her menacing portrait ●       A legendary musician's enormous gift to his wife of 40 years MORE INFORMATION The photographic painting of Comtesse de Castiglione as ‘Vengeance' https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2000/comtesse/photo-gallery The emerald crescent brooch https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6211869 Venus of Hohles Fels https://www.thearchaeologist.org/blog/venus-of-hohle-fels-the-earliest-known-depiction-of-a-human-being-in-prehistoric-art Irving Berlin's Ruby https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6151278 For more information on Gem Pursuit or to browse the Courtville collection visit www.courtville.ie. Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville by Dustpod.io. SOCIAL MEDIA  ●    IG - @CourtvilleAntiques ●    FB - @Courtvilleantiques ●    Tik Tok - @matthew.weldon    ●    YouTube - @courtvilleantique ●    Pinterest - @courtville QUOTES The first gift that I chose today is a very famous gift that not a lot of people would recognize as a gift but they would recognize the actual style icon on which it sits. And this is Coco Chanel and her pearls. - Alyce Ketcher I would wear ropes and ropes of pearls too if I was wearing Romanov pearl necklace - Alyce Ketcher This pendant dates back over 35,000 to 40,000 years. This is one of the first ever pieces of jewelry that's actually been discovered, and even more than that, were some of the earliest examples of figurative design in human history. This is a really important one, not just in terms of jewelry, but in terms of gift giving, and also human evolution. - Matthew Weldon A really cool piece that also has such a crazy backstory. - Alyce Ketcher What's interesting about gold is that it started there, but it's gone everywhere. Santa's first gift was gold, he used to throw little bags of gold into people's houses. - Matthew Weldon I'm gonna be dreaming about that ruby for a very long time. - Alyce Ketcher 

A picture tells a thousand words and long before photography, jewellery was telling the stories of the wearer, memorialising loved ones and even harbouring secrets. Matthew and Alyce take a journey through the history of imagery in jewellery and celebrate a craft that became a dead art thanks to modern technology. People were capturing memories through imagery as far back as the 1500s and in this episode you'll hear about the array of different materials and techniques used to create them, capturing everything from animals, to portraits and even more risqué scenes for lovers. Plus, we've got the low-down on where you can find these extremely unique and valuable pieces for your own collection.  THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT ●      An introduction to imagery in jewellery ●      Types of imagery in jewellery ●      How technology changed imagery in jewellery ●      Where to find the best pieces of this art form ●      The lovers eye of a doomed romance ●      Prolific military portrait miniatures from County Cork MORE INFORMATION Featured Ring: A fabulous French 1950s cluster ring by Mauboussin. Set with perfectly matches sapphires and emeralds, the combination of colours is striking. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu9I6OCKydf/ For more information on Gem Pursuit or to browse the Courtville collection visit www.courtville.ie. To see some of the pieces discussed in this episode check out our Instagram instagram.com/matthew.weldons/ Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville by Dustpod.io. SOCIAL MEDIA ●      IG - @CourtvilleAntiques ●      FB - @Courtvilleantiques ●      Tik Tok - @matthew.weldon    ●      YouTube - @courtvilleantique ●      Pinterest - @courtville QUOTES Imagery in jewellery is really an interesting one, because it follows us as we, as humans, and technology evolve. - Alyce Ketcher What's really interesting about a piece of jewelry that actually has an image on it is you can visualize who these particular jewels belong to, because there's a picture of someone either who owned it, or who gave it to somebody with their image on it. It gives you an insight into their life. - Alyce Ketcher They developed photography and that was the end of a lot of imagery in jewellery. Imagery across the board was affected but portrait miniatures was a massive industry. - Matthew Weldon I would say to people who are collecting, if you look at what material the images are on, that'll give you a really good idea of age. The image will tell you what time period it is based on clothes, etc. but if you actually look at the material, it'll help you know as well. - Matthew Weldon In the Georgian period, those who had a romantic connection, to kind of symbolize that connection or that relationship, by gifting one another their eternal gaze, which was done through a portrait of the eye. - Alyce Ketcher KEYWORDS #jewellery #imagery #portrait #antiques #art #victorianperiod #collector

The value of gold has skyrocketed over the last number of decades, which makes it a limited and expensive material to work with. Matthew and Alyce share the unique ways this noble metal was crafted in the past and why many types of goldwork are now considered a dead art. Goldwork traces all the way back to ancient times but in this episode the focus is on filigree and cannetille, how these crafts were originally used to create beautiful pieces for a low cost and why, today, they are so much more valuable. Of course, we also have your guide on where to find the best of the best of goldwork through history. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT ●       What is fine goldwork? ●       Filigree work ●       Cannetille ●       How changing trends impacts value  ●       How dead arts get a revival ●       Other types of goldwork ●       Nuances in the colour of gold ●       Why types of fine goldwork are dying arts ●       The introduction of platinum into jewellery ●       The best eras for collecting filigree and cannetille ●       A patriotic Irish bell ●       A Japanese dealer's Hellenistic collection MORE INFORMATION For more information on Gem Pursuit or to browse the Courtville collection visit www.courtville.ie. To see some of the pieces discussed in this episode check out our Instagram instagram.com/courtvilleantiques/ Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville by Dustpod.io. SOCIAL MEDIA ●    IG - @CourtvilleAntiques ●    FB - @Courtvilleantiques ●    Tik Tok - @matthew.weldon    ●    YouTube - @courtvilleantique ●    Pinterest - @courtville QUOTES The beautiful thing about antique jewellery is you'll get these nuances in the gold. - Matthew We know why the majority of the arts from the antique periods are gone. It really is because of time, time that it takes to create just the wire work, the filigree work alone. - Alyce It is something that takes time and effort and skill, and years and years and years of practice. I just think that the kind of society that we live in today is more throwaway. - Alyce The price of gold relative to income, or the price of gold relative to real estate, is much closer now than it used to be. Gold used to be more accessible to more people, whereas now it's relatively a very strongly priced - Matthew KEYWORDS #filigree #jewellery #gold #1820s #georgian #fashion #goldjewellery

Given the time of year it felt only right to look at some of the what some might call the ‘creepier' dead arts. Matthew and Alyce take a journey through hair art, teeth jewellery and taxidermy in this shiver-inducing episode.  Although they're not for everyone, we find out how these pieces were important mementos of times passed for people to remember their loved ones and why taxidermy went from a status symbol to a legal nightmare. Plus, if you find any of these pieces hair-raisingly intriguing, we've got your guide on where to find them.  THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT 00:57 The history of hair art  03:42 Different types of hair art and jewellery  06:58 Why hair and jewellery were important mementos  10:13 The industry of death  12:30 The art of taxidermy  14:07 How taxidermy became a status symbol  18:13 Why are they dead arts?  24:06 New pieces available at Courtville.ie  25:53 The best examples of these arts  30:24 The one place making modern hair art in Europe  32:01 Wearing someone's smile on a ring  34:38 Heads of Hummingbirds  HOST DETAILS Matthew Weldon took over Courtville in 2018 and continues today the rich legacy left behind by Kitten and Grainne. The Weldon family tree boasts a rich history of Irish jewellers going back over 135 years. Learning from a young age about the industry from his father, Matthew quickly gained a skilled eye and an appreciation for quality. Seeking to further his knowledge and expertise Matthew gained a degree in marketing and French which led to a short career as a chartered accountant. But with such a draw to antique and vintage jewellery it was inevitable that Matthew would continue the family tradition and build a business of his own. Like generations before, Matthew looks for the exceptional, rare and intriguing pieces and always ensures beauty, quality and fair prices. Alyce Ketcher has been working with jewels for over 15 years. During her time within the jewellery industry she has worked in Australia, New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom and Ireland and gained qualifications through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (GEM-A). As a qualified gemologist Alyce is able to use her extensive knowledge of diamonds and gemstones to identify and value jewellery from all periods. Working with antique and vintage jewels is her passion, and you can often find her researching hallmarks, inspecting gemstones or writing about our latest find. MORE INFORMATION For more information on Gem Pursuit or to browse the Courtville collection visit www.courtville.ie.  Where you can find modern hair art creation: https://www.visitdalarna.se/en/do/shopping/hair-jewellery-vamhus-mora Hummingbird earrings: https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O86513/earring-emanuel-harry/  https://www.antiquestradegazette.com/guides/information-guides/endangered-species/  Check out this piece on our Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cyd9dEOJRwz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville by Dustpod.io. SOCIAL MEDIA ● IG - @CourtvilleAntiques ● FB - @Courtvilleantiques ● Tik Tok - @matthew.weldon    ● YouTube - @courtvilleantique ● Pinterest - @courtville KEYWORDS #hairjewellery #taxidermy #victorian #necklace #deadart #teeth #jewellery

In this episode Matthew and Alyce dive into the dying art of enamelling. Although it's something we might all be able to find on items in our own homes, finding a skilled enameller who can create art to the standard of the past is next to impossible.  Enamelling can be found in many forms and today we look back on the 2500 years of the art, hear about some of the finest crafts people and their incredibly impressive colour palettes and, of course, some direction on where you can look to add your very own piece of enamelling to your collection.  THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT 01:33 What is enamelling?  03:22 Varieties of enamelling  10:24 Why enamelling is a dead art  13:04 The colour palettes of enamelling  14:53 How fashions change through history  23:32 Where you can find good examples of enamelling  28:59 The Dragonfly Woman corsage 35:44 The Colonnade Faberge egg HOST DETAILS Matthew Weldon took over Courtville in 2018 and continues today the rich legacy left behind by Kitten and Grainne. The Weldon family tree boasts a rich history of Irish jewellers going back over 135 years. Learning from a young age about the industry from his father, Matthew quickly gained a skilled eye and an appreciation for quality. Seeking to further his knowledge and expertise Matthew gained a degree in marketing and French which led to a short career as a chartered accountant. But with such a draw to antique and vintage jewellery it was inevitable that Matthew would continue the family tradition and build a business of his own. Like generations before, Matthew looks for the exceptional, rare and intriguing pieces and always ensures beauty, quality and fair prices. Alyce Ketcher has been working with jewels for over 15 years. During her time within the jewellery industry she has worked in Australia, New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom and Ireland and gained qualifications through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (GEM-A). As a qualified gemologist Alyce is able to use her extensive knowledge of diamonds and gemstones to identify and value jewellery from all periods. Working with antique and vintage jewels is her passion, and you can often find her researching hallmarks, inspecting gemstones or writing about our latest find. MORE INFORMATION For more information on Gem Pursuit or to browse the Courtville collection visit www.courtville.ie.  To see some of the pieces discussed in this episode check out our Instagram instagram.com/matthew.weldons/  Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville by Dustpod.io. Social Media IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville QUOTES Enameling is a form of glass work, which has additives introduced to it to increase its stability, and to reduce a melting range that allows it to set on top of a metal surface. - Alyce Ketcher There literally are so many types of enamelling, because it really is like an experimental art, especially when you think about glass work. - Alyce Ketcher  This was considered one of the most important art forms (and jewellery is art that you wear) up until really the 20th century. And then the question begs to be asked is why is this a dead art? - Matthew Weldon  One thing to really think about when we're talking about these art forms is that they may have gone out of fashion, and then they come back into fashion, but we can't find them anywhere. So we have to look at antique jewellery. - Alyce Ketcher  Carl Fabergé's workshops had 130 colors of enamel. So you could choose from 130 different color palettes that they had created. That is a huge feat. - Alyce Ketcher  KEYWORDS #enamelling #enamel #jewellery #metal #faberge #artform

Lapidary Some of the unique art forms of jewellery creation are dying out thanks to modern technology and lack of training options  Today we're taking a look at the dying art of lapidary or gemstone cutting. Matthew and Alyce discuss the history of the art and why it has become so difficult to find modern masters of the craft, along with sharing the time periods that really highlight the most beautiful forms of the craft so you know where to look for your own antique collection.  THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT 01:02 An explanation of the art of lapidary 04:07 Fashioning gems from their rough, out of the ground state  08:20 Why lapidary is a dying art  17:12 The impact of computerised systems and lasers of gem-cutting  19:59 Examples of the best cut gemstones  24:12 Which time periods to look to for your own collection  29:31 Creating new demand to revive dying art forms  33:15 A precious family Netsuke collection 42:49 Caesar's ruby that isn't actually a ruby  MORE INFORMATION For more information on Gem Pursuit or to browse the Courtville collection visit www.courtville.ie.  To see some of the pieces discussed in this episode check out our Instagram @CourtvilleAntiques Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville by Dustpod.io. QUOTES "During this season, we're going to be talking about crafts that have been lost, or that we think may have been lost. They include portraiture, hair, lapidary, and other forms of antique art that can no longer be seen in pieces today." - Alyce Ketcher  "When we're talking about lapidary, we're talking about the cutting or the fashioning of every single gemstone on the planet, except for Diamond. Diamond is the only one that has its own title, which is called a diamond manufacturer, or diamond cutter, and a diamond cutter will never cut any other gemstone." - Alyce Ketcher  "When we actually go to look for these craftspeople, they're incredibly thin on the ground. In Ireland for example, there's only one that I'm aware of." - Matthew Weldon  "So when we're talking about cutting gemstones, the reason why we have fashion gemstones in the first place is to bring out and maximise the beauty of the gemstone." - Alyce Ketcher  "Another reason why a lot of the dying arts are dying, is because of computer imaging programs, computerised systems, measurement systems and lasers, which combine to actually automate gemstone cutting." - Alyce Ketcher  "A lot of people don't aren't aware about the variety that you can get and all of those carbon titles are all super interesting, totally unique, done by hand. It just blows my mind that something that this person carved 150 or 200 years ago is still so crisp." - Matthew Weldon  "I think the onus is on the jewellery industry at large to familiarise themselves with all the different gemstones, because that's needed to get lapidary back from the brink, create demand for these skills again." - Matthew Weldon  KEYWORDS #gemstone #jewellery #skills #faceted #art #Edwardian

To celebrate over 50 episodes of Gem Pursuit Matthew and Alyce are taking you through a journey of their top five episodes.  It was no easy task deciding on our top five but you'll hear stories of Godly gemstones, the lost city of gold and the brutal standards of one very famous jeweller.  We'll also be looking ahead to Season 8, which will be in your ears this October and is all about the dead arts.  THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT The Godly glow of precious emeralds Alma Pihl and the unfortunate journey of one father's gemstones The lost city of gold Influential jewellery designer Suzanne BelperronThe brutal hammer of a very iconic jeweller  GUEST DETAILS Matthew Weldon took over Courtville in 2018 and continues today the rich legacy left behind by Kitten and Gráinne. The Weldon family tree boasts a rich history of Irish jewellers going back over 135 years. Learning from a young age about the industry from his father, Matthew quickly gained a skilled eye and an appreciation for quality. Seeking to further his knowledge and expertise Matthew gained a degree in marketing and French which lead to a short career as a chartered accountant. But with such a draw to antique and vintage jewellery it was inevitable that Matthew would continue the family tradition and build a business of his own. Like generations before, Matthew looks for the exceptional, rare and intriguing pieces and always ensuring beauty, quality and fair prices. Alyce Ketcher has been working with jewels for over 15 years. During her time within the jewellery industry she has worked in Australia, New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom and Ireland and gained qualifications through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (GEM-A). As a qualified gemologist Alyce is able to use her extensive knowledge of diamonds and gemstones to identify and value jewellery from all periods. Working with antique and vintage jewels is her passion, and you can often find her researching hallmarks, inspecting gemstones or writing about our latest find. MORE INFORMATION For more information on Gem Pursuit or to browse the Courtville collection visit www.courtville.ie.  Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville by Dustpod.io. QUOTES "You can value jewellery in two ways, and when it transcends from one of these ways to the other, it's when you really reach these gem qualities and you value them based on their intrinsic parts. So the diamond, the gold, sapphire, garnet, it is evaluated on the part, but if you're valuing jewellery based on the craft, the skill and the beauty, that's jewellery on a different level." ~ Matthew Weldon  "He was able to actually revolutionise the way people look at jewellery, instead of looking at it as a tangible asset and looking at it as a piece of art. There wasn't any other jeweller in his time period who did what he did. It really was a turning point in jewellery creation." ~ Alyce Ketcher  "A lot of jewellery houses, when they make something, much like an artist, they will actually put their name on the bottom or they'll sign it. In jewellery, it's exactly the same thing. But Suzanne Belperron said ‘I don't even sign my pieces, you should know they are mine just by looking at them'." ~ Matthew Weldon   KEYWORDS #jewellery #gold #faberge #gem #history 

Onyx has a long and fabled history and although many will (correctly) associate it with the Art Deco era, it was also an important gemstone at many other periods throughout history. We talk about how different cultures have viewed this gem and the way its colouration impacts upon this. We also discuss banding, Tutmania and sugary treatments... www.courtville.ie A Tape Deck podcast

We celebrate our 50th episode with Matthew's favourite gem, that stone with the incredible, one of a kind play of colour that is Opal. Known as the pride of Australia, it's a gemstone Alyce knows pretty well but she talks about how her initial perception has changed since when she was a kid growing up Down Under. Listen to the end for the triumphant return of Gem Trivial Pursuit and find out who prevailed... www.courtville.ie A Tape Deck podcast

Renowned for it's remarkable colour-changing properties and 10,000 rarer than diamond, Alexandrite is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary and sought-after gemstones on earth. Matthew and Alyce give an overview of the short history of the gem, provide some insight into it's fascinating colour change and, as usual, offer a few nuggets of insight from the trade to help you on your own Alexandrite treasure hunt! www.courtville.ie A Tape Deck podcast

Jade is a super versatile gem with a rich history and enormous cultural significance all across the world. Matthew explains the difference between toughness and hardness when it comes to gemstones while Alyce shares some more stories from her own cultural heritage and personal jewellery collection. www.courtville.ie A Tape Deck podcast

Long known as "the Great Imposter" due to the frequency with which it was mistaken for ruby and other more commercial gemstones, Spinel is nonetheless a rare, beautiful and durable gem that is especially prized amongst dealers in the antique jewellery trade. Famous Spinels discussed include the Black Prince's Ruby and the Côte-de-Bretagne in the French Crown Jewells. www.courtville.ie A Tape Deck podcast

This episode focuses on one of Matthew's favourite gemstones, Peridot. Alyce shares some some fascinating Polynesian peridot mythology and reveals why she'll never ever be able to forget how to identify Peridot! Matthew talks about a stunning piece containing Peridot which has mysteriously disappeared... www.courtville.ie A Tape Deck podcast