Given the time of year it felt only right to look at some of the what some might call the ‘creepier’ dead arts. Matthew and Alyce take a journey through hair art, teeth jewellery and taxidermy in this shiver-inducing episode. 

Although they’re not for everyone, we find out how these pieces were important mementos of times passed for people to remember their loved ones and why taxidermy went from a status symbol to a legal nightmare. Plus, if you find any of these pieces hair-raisingly intriguing, we’ve got your guide on where to find them. 

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

00:57 The history of hair art 

03:42 Different types of hair art and jewellery 

06:58 Why hair and jewellery were important mementos 

10:13 The industry of death 

12:30 The art of taxidermy 

14:07 How taxidermy became a status symbol 

18:13 Why are they dead arts? 

24:06 New pieces available at Courtville.ie 

25:53 The best examples of these arts 

30:24 The one place making modern hair art in Europe 

32:01 Wearing someone’s smile on a ring 

34:38 Heads of Hummingbirds 

HOST DETAILS

Matthew Weldon took over Courtville in 2018 and continues today the rich legacy left behind by Kitten and Grainne. The Weldon family tree boasts a rich history of Irish jewellers going back over 135 years. Learning from a young age about the industry from his father, Matthew quickly gained a skilled eye and an appreciation for quality.

Seeking to further his knowledge and expertise Matthew gained a degree in marketing and French which led to a short career as a chartered accountant. But with such a draw to antique and vintage jewellery it was inevitable that Matthew would continue the family tradition and build a business of his own. Like generations before, Matthew looks for the exceptional, rare and intriguing pieces and always ensures beauty, quality and fair prices.

Alyce Ketcher has been working with jewels for over 15 years. During her time within the jewellery industry she has worked in Australia, New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom and Ireland and gained qualifications through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (GEM-A). As a qualified gemologist Alyce is able to use her extensive knowledge of diamonds and gemstones to identify and value jewellery from all periods. Working with antique and vintage jewels is her passion, and you can often find her researching hallmarks, inspecting gemstones or writing about our latest find.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information on Gem Pursuit or to browse the Courtville collection visit www.courtville.ie. 

Where you can find modern hair art creation: https://www.visitdalarna.se/en/do/shopping/hair-jewellery-vamhus-mora

Hummingbird earrings: https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O86513/earring-emanuel-harry/ 

https://www.antiquestradegazette.com/guides/information-guides/endangered-species/ 

Check out this piece on our Instagram.

Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville by Dustpod.io.

SOCIAL MEDIA

● IG - @CourtvilleAntiques

● FB - @Courtvilleantiques

● Tik Tok - @matthew.weldon   

● YouTube - @courtvilleantique

● Pinterest - @courtville

KEYWORDS

#hairjewellery #taxidermy #victorian #necklace #deadart #teeth #jewellery #hairart #mourningjewellery #sentimentaljewellery