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PODCAST

Gem Pursuit

Matthew Weldon of Courtville Antique & Vintage Jewellers

Explore the endlessly fascinating stories behind famous pieces of jewellery. Become captivated by the phenomenal gems that form deep within the earth"s crust. Be inspired by some of the most incredible craftspeople and designers the world has ever seen. Join Matthew Weldon, CEO of Courtville and GIA-certified gemologist Alyce Ketcher on their gem pursuit as they use their unique knowledge, passion and expertise to illuminate the magical and mysterious world of antique and vintage jewellery. Never

arts fashion & beauty

All Episodes

00:32:52

Jewellery in Paintings: Princess Caroline of Monaco

Gem Pursuit ·

2025/11/24

In this episode, we explore Andy Warhol’s silkscreen print portrait of Caroline of Monaco, created for Vogue in the early 1980s. We discuss the bold colours, big hair, bare-back pose, and the striking sapphire-and-diamond jewels that define the portrait’s 1980s style. We also look at the pop art movement, celebrity culture, and Caroline’s reputation as the “rebel princess”.Beyond the portrait, we dive into two extraordinary pieces connected to Caroline: a Belle Époque reed stomacher

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00:30:06

Jewellery in Paintings: The Drake Jewell

Gem Pursuit ·

2025/11/10

In the latest episode of our Jewellery in Paintings series Matthew is joined by Courtville historian Fenia Sigkoudi to explore The Drake Jewel - a magnificent Renaissance pendant that intertwines art, politics and piracy! Once gifted by Queen Elizabeth I to Sir Francis Drake, the jewel tells an extraordinary story of ambition, power and symbolism. Matthew and Fenia trace how this locket became a statement of status, propaganda and personal connection between monarch and privateer. From its

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00:27:40

The Louvre Jewellery Heist

Gem Pursuit ·

2025/10/27

In this special episode of Gem Pursuit, we turn from the past to the present — and to one of the most daring jewellery thefts in recent memory.In October 2025, eight pieces of the French Crown Jewels were stolen in broad daylight from the Louvre’s Galerie d’Apollon. Valued at €88 million, the missing treasures include the tiara of Empress Eugénie and the emeralds of Empress Marie Louise — jewels once worn at the height of imperial splendour, now vanished without a trace. Matthew unpacks what

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00:27:25

Jewellery in Paintings: Girl with a Pearl Earring

Gem Pursuit ·

2025/09/29

In this brand new series of Gem Pursuit, we step into the world of fine art to uncover the jewels hidden on canvas. Jewellery in Paintings explores how artists captured the sparkle, symbolism, and status of gems throughout history.We begin with one of the most iconic images in Western art: Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring. Often called the “Mona Lisa of the North,” this enigmatic portrait has fascinated viewers for centuries. But what about the jewel itself? In this episode, we

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00:38:47

Instinct at Work: Adventures in Antique Jewellery...

Gem Pursuit ·

2025/09/15

Matthew and Alyce welcome back renowned antique jewellery specialist Michael Singer, Director of Acquisitions at Windsor, New York.Michael shares stories of some remarkable adventures from his decades in the trade including trading a 15th-century manuscript for a Kashmir sapphire, finding a one-of-a-kind Tiffany necklace with ties to the French royal family and bending the rules of an auction...for love! Michael also reflects on the lost buzz of New York’s 47th Street, the importance of

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00:20:45

Three Stories Every Jewellery Salesperson Needs to...

Gem Pursuit ·

2025/09/01

We are delighted to be back from our summer mini-hiatus and have been busy working away on our exciting upcoming podcast series. We'll say no more about that for now.... In the meantime, something a little bit different - a solo Matthew episode, recorded at the Couture Show in Las Vegas back in May of this year. Courtville was exhibiting at the Antique Jewellery and Watch Show down the hall and were asked to give a talk at one of their educational events. Matthew spoke to a live audience of

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00:54:56

Lalique

Gem Pursuit ·

2025/07/21

For our 100th episode of Gem Pursuit, we’re throwing it back to one of your Firm Favourites — the legendary house of Lalique. This special episode marks not just a podcast milestone, but also the 100-year anniversary of the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs — the defining moment of the Art Deco era, and a showcase for Lalique’s visionary designs.We revisit the artistry, innovation, and sheer drama of René Lalique’s work, from his pioneering use of materials to the way he

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00:20:10

Opal Tiara | V&A Cartier Exhbition (Audio guide)

Gem Pursuit ·

2025/07/07

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 Opal Tiara, once worn by Mary Alice Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire. Set with luminous opals and shimmering diamonds, this ethereal tiara captures a

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00:16:16

Gloria Swanson's Diamond & Rock Crystal Cuffs | V&A...

Gem Pursuit ·

2025/06/23

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 diamond and rock crystal cuffs worn by screen legend Gloria Swanson. Bold, striking and unapologetically modern, these cuff bangles were more than

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00:18:57

The Dress was the Accessory: Amethyst Bib Necklace |...

Gem Pursuit ·

2025/06/09

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 Amethyst Bib Necklace, a vivid and sculptural piece created by Cartier for Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor. We explore how this daring jewell

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00:14:29

Egyptian Revival Scarab Brooches, V&A Cartier...

Gem Pursuit ·

2025/05/26

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

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00:14:26

The Mountbatten Bandeau, V&A Cartier Exhbition (Audio...

Gem Pursuit ·

2025/05/11

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

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00:38:39

Jewellery of the Titanic: Part II

Gem Pursuit ·

2025/04/28

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

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00:42:22

Jewellery of the Titanic: Part I

Gem Pursuit ·

2025/04/14

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

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00:32:37

Bog Oak

Gem Pursuit ·

2025/04/05

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

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00:32:09

The Tara Brooch

Gem Pursuit ·

2025/03/17

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

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00:36:11

The Love Story of Michael Collins & Kitty Kiernan

Gem Pursuit ·

2025/03/03

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

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00:41:32

Put a Ring on It: Proposals Past and Present

Gem Pursuit ·

2025/02/17

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

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00:23:52

Tales of the Trade (Live from Miami Beach)

Gem Pursuit ·

2025/02/04

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

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00:39:45

The Life & Crimes of Murph the Surf (Live from Miami...

Gem Pursuit ·

2025/01/23

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

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106 results

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