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 explore the mystery of the pearl, what it reveals about 17th-century Dutch society, and why such a simple adornment continues to shine as a timeless ideal of beauty.

Whether you’re standing in front of the painting in The Hague or simply picturing it in your mind, this episode offers a sparkling new perspective on an old master.

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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 trusting your instincts, the influence of his father on his career and also shares numerous insider tips such as which antique jewellery he thinks is the most undervalued collectible in America today.

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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 jewellery salespeople but these are insights that will be just as relevant for people who are interested and curious about the history of jewellery design.

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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 blurred the boundaries between fine art and fine jewellery.

And to celebrate 100 episodes together, we’re playing a one-off game: The Jewel-y-weds Game — where Alyce and Matthew test how well they really know each other after a hundred episodes of sparkling stories, tricky trivia, and heated debates.

Thank you for joining us on our Gem Pursuit. Here’s to the next hundred!

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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 moment when Cartier reimagined regal tradition with a fresh, modern elegance. In this episode, we explore the design that crowned a duchess and the craftsmanship that makes it timeless.

This item can currently be admired up close in the Tiara Room at the V&A exhibition in London - the final gallery of the exhibition.

If you can't make it to the exhibit, check out the V&A website and view the pieces for yourself.

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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, 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 accessories - they were a statement, on and off the silver screen.

In this episode, we explore the story of their incredible design and the star who made them so iconic.

These items can currently be admired up close in the Film Room at the V&A exhibition in London - the final gallery 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, 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 didn’t just complement a look, it defined one. A bold necklace for a bold woman in a bold era, and a perfect example of jewellery leading the way in personal style.

It can currently be admired up close in the Royal Room, at the V&A exhibition in London — the fourth 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.

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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, 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.

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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.

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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.

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This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck