Gem Pursuit: An Antique Jewellery Podcast

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 storytelling
• The iconic brooch that glistened in black and white Casablanca
• Sparkling ruby slippers later recreated with real rubies 
• Moulin Rouge’s Satine necklace and it’s intricate design
• The 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 - @CourtvilleAntiques
• FB - @Courtvilleantiques
• Tik Tok - @matthew.weldon    
• YouTube - @courtvilleantique
• Pinterest - @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 1910-1930
• How 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 time
• What 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 - @CourtvilleAntiques
• FB - @Courtvilleantiques
• Tik Tok - @matthew.weldon    
• YouTube - @courtvilleantique
• Pinterest - @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 jewels
• Why the majority of the French crown jewel collection was sold at an 1887 auction
• Incredibly 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 - @CourtvilleAntiques
• FB - @Courtvilleantiques
• Tik Tok - @matthew.weldon    
• YouTube - @courtvilleantique
• Pinterest - @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 Gallery
• Highlights 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 - @CourtvilleAntiques
• FB - @Courtvilleantiques
• Tik Tok - @matthew.weldon    
• YouTube - @courtvilleantique
• Pinterest - @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 Décoratifs
• What you can see from artists such as René Lalique, Georges Fouquet, Henri Vever
• The 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 - @CourtvilleAntiques
• FB - @Courtvilleantiques
• Tik Tok - @matthew.weldon    
• YouTube - @courtvilleantique
• Pinterest - @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 made
• Iconic 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 - @CourtvilleAntiques
• FB - @Courtvilleantiques
• Tik Tok - @matthew.weldon    
• YouTube - @courtvilleantique
• Pinterest - @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 discoveries
• More 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 - @CourtvilleAntiques
• FB - @Courtvilleantiques
• Tik Tok - @matthew.weldon    
• YouTube - @courtvilleantique
• Pinterest - @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 - @CourtvilleAntiques
• FB - @Courtvilleantiques
• Tik Tok - @matthew.weldon    
• YouTube - @courtvilleantique
• Pinterest - @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 - @CourtvilleAntiques
• FB - @Courtvilleantiques
• Tik Tok - @matthew.weldon    
• YouTube - @courtvilleantique
• Pinterest - @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 - @CourtvilleAntiques
• FB - @Courtvilleantiques
• Tik Tok - @matthew.weldon    
• YouTube - @courtvilleantique
• Pinterest - @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