Gem Pursuit: An Antique Jewellery Podcast

It's the second part of our 6-part series called 'Firm Favourites: Jewellery Houses That Reign'. This episode is about what was arguably the greatest jewellery house that ever existed: Fabergé. There is so much to talk about with Fabergé. We get technical and discuss the legendary Russian firm's pioneering enamel work, Alyce professes her undying love for Carl, we of course talk about the incredib...

It's the first installment of a new 6-part series called 'Firm Favourites: Jewellery Houses That Reign'. This episode is about the oh-so-beloved American jewellery giant known as Tiffany & Co . In this episode we discuss its 19th century origins, the quintessential styles that we see in antique Tiffany pieces and some of the innovative marketing techniques that embedded the name 'Tiffany' into...

We hope you enjoy this surprise bonus episode, all about that most precious and most coveted of all metals...GOLD! Matty and Alyce go through how to identify and value gold, talk about how it came to be used in jewellery and discuss the folklore and mythology surrounding it while also revealing some of the most significant gold discoveries in history. Producer: Ross Hannon www.courtville.ie

This 10-part series is a journey in "Jewellery Through the Ages" beginning in the Georgian era and going all the way up to modern day. It's the final episode in the series and it's a little bit different because it's all about the jewellery of today. Matty and Alyce start off by going through some of their favourite (usually antique inspired!) engagement rings from recent years before staring into...

This 10-part series is a journey in "Jewellery Through the Ages" beginning in the Georgian era and going all the way up to modern day. Known in the trade as the repro era, the 1980s was when the antique jewellery trade really took off for the first time as items from the Victorian period were turning 100. Matty and Alyce also talk dodgy mullets, crazy make-up and how these trends impacted on the j...

This 10-part series is a journey in "Jewellery Through the Ages" beginning in the Georgian era and going all the way up to modern day. This episode is all about the 1970s. A major paradigm shift in society sees a kind of individualism take over from the revolutionary collectivism of the 60s and we discuss how this new found move towards self-expression impacted the fashion trends and jewellery of...

This 10-part series is a journey in "Jewellery Through the Ages" beginning in the Georgian era and going all the way up to modern day. We have arrived in the swinging sixties, a decade of sweeping social change and political unrest, when an entire generation of young people all over the world broke free from society's norms and went their own way. We discover how this counter-cultural revolution i...

This 10-part series is a journey in "Jewellery Through the Ages" beginning in the Georgian era and going all the way up to modern day. We've passed the half way point on our journey and we've arrived in the 1950s. This decade saw the birth of the baby boomers, the beginnings of the Cold War and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, not to mention some incredible jewellery, dominated by diamonds. J...

This 10-part series is a journey in "Jewellery Through the Ages" beginning in the Georgian era and going all the way up to modern day. In this episode, Matthew and Alyce discuss the turbulent but hugely significant decade that was the 1940s. Dominated by the Second World War, this was a time of great sacrifice and suffering, and this had a major impact on the fashions and jewellery of the time. Je...

This 10-part series is a journey in "Jewellery Through the Ages" beginning in the Georgian era and going all the way up to modern day. In this episode, Matthew and Alyce discuss the extravagant and exuberant Art Deco period. Such a fun period of history to talk about, especially when it comes to jewellery. Jewellery Icons of the Art Deco period are Aimée de Heeren and Wallis Simpson. Producer: Ros...

This 10-part series is a journey in "Jewellery Through the Ages" beginning in the Georgian era and going all the way up to modern day. In this episode, Matthew and Alyce discuss the Edwardian era , the last period named after its reigning monarch. This period of relative peace, prosperity and stability in Europe combined with some major advancements in technology to have a huge impact on the jewel...

This 10-part series is a journey in "Jewellery Through the Ages" beginning in the Georgian era and going all the way up to modern day. In this episode, Matthew and Alyce chat about the three stages of the very long and very influential Victorian period . So much of the jewellery at this time had little hidden messages and romantic personal touches while natural motifs were extremely popular. Every...

This 10-part series is a journey in "Jewellery Through the Ages" beginning in the Georgian era and going all the way up to modern day. In this episode, Matthew and Alyce chat about the Georgian period, placing the jewellery and styles in their cultural and historical contexts while as always providing expert insights into the trade today such as why Georgian period jewellery is so incredibly rare...

Now for something completely different. The final episode in our gemstone series is all about those fascinating, glistening objects known as pearls . In this special five-part gemstone series, your host Matthew Weldon sits down with co-host and gemstone expert Alyce Ketcher every Monday to examine what exactly it is that attracts people to these mysterious gems. Each episode is packed with fascina...

It's episode four and this one is all about that rare and coveted red gemstone known as Ruby . In this special five-part gemstone series, your host Matthew Weldon sits down with co-host and gemstone expert Alyce Ketcher every Monday to examine what exactly it is that attracts people to these mysterious gems. Each episode is packed with fascinating insights about identification, value, history &amp...

Emerald , that precious green stone! In this special five-part gemstone series, your host Matthew Weldon sits down with co-host and gemstone expert Alyce Ketcher every Monday to examine what exactly it is that attracts people to these mysterious gems. Each episode is packed with fascinating insights about identification, value, history & lore as well as famous gemstones throughout history. Mat...

Sapphire , that mysterious, deep blue stone! In this special five-part gemstone series, your host Matthew Weldon sits down with co-host and gemstone expert Alyce Ketcher every Monday to examine what exactly it is that attracts people to these mysterious gems. Each episode is packed with fascinating insights about identification, value, history & lore as well as famous gemstones throughout hist...

First up, Diamonds : the hardest of them all! In this special five-part gemstone series, your host Matthew Weldon sits down with co-host and gemstone expert Alyce Ketcher every Monday to examine what exactly it is that attracts people to these mysterious gems. Each episode is packed with fascinating insights about identification, value, history & lore as well as famous gemstones throughout his...

We dive into the importance of a sense of place in this world. We talk antique jewellery, small business, family business and Powerscourt Townhouse. Ross Hannon expertly produces and narrates this episode.

There aren't many who have been in the antiques business longer then Jimmy Weldon. With specialisations in jewellery and silver, Jimmy provides insights to the trade in Dublin, Ireland and internationally from the 1960's onwards. I fully think we will look back in years to come and recognise the importance of this man's knowledge. Jimmy also documents the rise of retail in auction houses.

Found the one? Looking for the ring? We chat all things engagement rings and get into the nuts and bolts of hunting for a special once-off antique or vintage engagement ring . Giving trade insights and tips to help you along on your journey. Matthew Weldon of Courtville is joined by GIA trained gemologist and antique jewellery expert Alyce Ketcher, chief jewellery appraiser at Courtville and head...