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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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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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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...

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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...

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This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck.