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.

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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.

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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.

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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 lunula
• Intricate 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 - @CourtvilleAntiques
• FB - @Courtvilleantiques
• Tik Tok - @matthew.weldon    
• YouTube - @courtvilleantique
• Pinterest - @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 fairs
• Preparation for navigating the trade fair experience
• Spotting hidden gems and avoiding duds
• How to work with dealers to ensure a rewarding experience
• The top antique jewellery fairs to attend from Matthew and Alyce’s favourites

MORE INFORMATION

https://www.courtville.ie/ 

• IG - @CourtvilleAntiques
• FB - @Courtvilleantiques
• Tik Tok - @matthew.weldon    
• YouTube - @courtvilleantique
• Pinterest - @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 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