Gem Pursuit

Xmas 2025 Ask us Anything Special

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this festive special episode of Gem Pursuit, Matthew Weldon goes solo to answer your brilliant listener questions in a cosy, end-of-year Ask Us Any...

Jewellery in Paintings: Jane Morris (The Blue Silk Dress)

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jane Morris was a muse of the Pre-Raphaelites, a central figure in the early Arts & Crafts movement and the quietly powerful presence at the heart...

Jewellery in Paintings: Princess Caroline of Monaco

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore Andy Warhol’s silkscreen print portrait of Caroline of Monaco, created for Vogue in the early 1980s. We discuss the bold...

Jewellery in Paintings: The Drake Jewell

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of our Jewellery in Paintings series Matthew is joined by Courtville historian Fenia Sigkoudi to explore The Drake Jewel - a mag...

The Louvre Jewellery Heist

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode of Gem Pursuit, we turn from the past to the present — and to one of the most daring jewellery thefts in recent memory. In ...

Jewellery in Paintings: Girl with a Pearl Earring

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ho...

Instinct at Work: Adventures in Antique Jewellery with Michael Singer

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Matthew and Alyce welcome back renowned antique jewellery specialist Michael Singer, Director of Acquisitions at Windsor, New York. Michael shares st...

Three Stories Every Jewellery Salesperson Needs to Know (Live from Las Vegas)

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 abo...

Lalique

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Opal Tiara | V&A Cartier Exhbition (Audio guide)

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

Gloria Swanson's Diamond & Rock Crystal Cuffs | V&A Cartier Exhbition (Audio guide)

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

The Dress was the Accessory: Amethyst Bib Necklace | V&A Cartier Exhbition (Audio guide)

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

Egyptian Revival Scarab Brooches | V&A Cartier Exhbition (Audio guide)

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

The Mountbatten Bandeau | V&A Cartier Exhbition (Audio guide)

11 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 displ...

Jewellery of the Titanic: Part II

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Jewellery of the Titanic: Part I

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 bo...

Bog Oak

05 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Tara Brooch

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A special St Patrick's Day episode celebrating what is perhaps one of the most historically significant pieces of Irish jewellery ever discovered. Ma...

The Love Story of Michael Collins & Kitty Kiernan

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Michae...

Put a Ring on It: Proposals Past and Present

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Tales of the Trade (Live from Miami Beach)

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 sp...

The Life & Crimes of Murph the Surf (Live from Miami Beach)

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

A walk through the Museum of Natural History in NYC

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 gemston...

Ask Us Anything Christmas Special

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In our final Gem Pursuit episode of the year, we answer some of our listeners burning antique jewellery questions. Matthew and Alyce reveal what's in...

Icons of Jewellery: Maria Felix

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our final icon in this series is Alyce's all time favourite, La Doña, Maria Felix, the Mexican film star who was renowned for her exquisite beauty an...

Icons of Jewellery: Evalyn Walsh McLean

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The life of Evalyn Walsh McLean - a mining heiress and socialite in the early 20th century - is perhaps the quintessential story of the American dream...

Icons of Jewellery: Rihanna

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 u...

Icons of Jewellery: Elizabeth Taylor

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 - Elizabe...

Icons of Jewellery: Napoleon Bonaparte

13 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Bonapar...

Ireland’s Ancient Treasures

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Insider Tips for Antiques Fairs

16 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Hollywood's Jewellery Box: Ruby Slippers & Yellow Diamonds

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jewellery has played a big role in some of our favourite Hollywood movies, with some pieces creating massive cultural influence and connecting with au...

Pursuit In Paris: Cartier

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Matt...

Pursuit In Paris: French Crown Jewels

05 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 fascinati...

Pursuit in Paris: The Louvre

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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. ...

Pursuit In Paris: Musée des Arts Décoratifs

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Defining Movements: Victorian Period Pt. 3

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As we come to the end of our mysterious and magical pursuit through the Victorian period, we’re looking at an era that collectors are most likely to...

Defining Movements: Victorian Period Pt. 2

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As we continue on our mysterious and magical pursuit through the Victorian period, we’re taking a look at the mini-eras defined during the reign of ...

Defining Movements: Victorian Period Pt. 1

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

One of the most well-known jewellery movements is defined by the reign of Britain’s Queen Victoria. Having sat on the throne for 63 years, the Queen...

Art Deco Icon in NYC

13 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Courtville recently displayed at an incredible antiques fair in the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York and our very own Alyce got to check out an exhib...

Defining Movements: Suffragettes

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

One of the beauties of antique jewellery is that it can serve as a reminder of defining moments or movements in history that led to truly unique piece...

Defining Movements: Art Nouveau

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Unlike the fleeting trends of the modern day, antique jewellery comes from times of defined eras and movements that inspired many artists and makers. ...

Royal Regalia: Spectacular Sweden

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re back with a very special bonus episode of our Royal Regalia: A History of Splendour series after a listener request for an episode on the crow...

Royal Regalia: Investigating Ireland

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We have come to the end of our special series ‘Royal Regalia: A History of Splendour’ and for our final episode we’re taking a look at some jewe...

Royal Regalia: Bold Britain

04 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re just over half way through our short series, Royal Regalia: A History Of Splendour, looking at the stories and histories behind some of the wo...

Royal Regalia: Opulent Iran

19 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re continuing on our magical and mysterious pursuit through the world of royal jewellery and this week, we’re talking about a collection of cro...

Royal Regalia: Danish Delight

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This season we’re taking a magical and mysterious pursuit through the world of Royal Regalia: A History of Splendour, a topic that has been long-awa...

A Royal Gift From the Grave

22 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For avid jewellery collectors it can sometimes feel like a piece finds its way to you without even having to look for it. That was certainly the case ...

Collecting Antique Jewellery | What You Need to Know

08 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The world of antique jewellery is both magical and mysterious, and Gem Pursuit is always trying to help you develop your own understanding, and your c...

Gem Trivial Pursuit Christmas Special

25 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and as a little gift from Gem Pursuit to you this festive season we’ve got a very special edition of Gem ...

Jaw Dropping Christmas Gifts

11 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

‘Tis the season and for our bonus episode of Season Eight Matthew and Alyce take a look at the history of gift giving from the Three Wise Men to Nap...

Imagery in Jewellery

27 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A picture tells a thousand words and long before photography, jewellery was telling the stories of the wearer, memorialising loved ones and even harbo...

Fine Goldwork

13 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The value of gold has skyrocketed over the last number of decades, which makes it a limited and expensive material to work with. Matthew and Alyce sha...

Hairy Scary

30 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Enamelling

16 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Matthew and Alyce dive into the dying art of enamelling. Although it’s something we might all be able to find on items in our own ho...

Lapidary

02 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lapidary Some of the unique art forms of jewellery creation are dying out thanks to modern technology and lack of training options Today we’re t...

Celebrating 50 Episodes

29 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate over 50 episodes of Gem Pursuit Matthew and Alyce are taking you through a journey of their top five episodes. It was no easy task dec...

Onyx

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Onyx has a long and fabled history and although many will (correctly) associate it with the Art Deco era, it was also an important gemstone at many ot...

Opal

07 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We celebrate our 50th episode with Matthew's favourite gem, that stone with the incredible, one of a kind play of colour that is Opal. Known as the p...

Alexandrite: the Chameleon of Crystals

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Renowned for it's remarkable colour-changing properties and 10,000 rarer than diamond, Alexandrite is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary and so...

Jade: a Tough Treasure

10 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jade is a super versatile gem with a rich history and enormous cultural significance all across the world. Matthew explains the difference between to...

Spinel: the Gemmiest Gem?

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Long known as "the Great Imposter" due to the frequency with which it was mistaken for ruby and other more commercial gemstones, Spinel is nonetheless...

Peridot

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode focuses on one of Matthew's favourite gemstones, Peridot. Alyce shares some some fascinating Polynesian peridot mythology and reveals wh...

Topaz

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We journey deep into the gemological weeds in this episode to discuss the characteristics of this naturally colourless gemstone. We discover some of ...

Turquoise

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Opaque, porous and relatively soft, Turquoise is an incredibly unique - and therefore highly-prized - gemstone and yes, you guessed it, it's all about...

Tourmaline

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The latest edition in our Gemstone saga is about one of the rarest and most diverse gemstones in the world - Tourmaline. A gem of many colours, Tourm...

Amethyst

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The purple gemstone - Amethyst - has long been associated with royalty, aristocracy and clergymen. In this episode we discuss the story behind its gl...

Aquamarine

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Gemstone Series is back with a bang! We return to our roots to discuss the incredible gemstone known as Aquamarine. As always we discuss the his...

Gem Pursuit 40th Episode Special

08 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate 40 episodes of Gem Pursuit, we decided to go back to our roots and record an old school, just Matty and Alyce episode! This is a special...

Juliet Weir-de La Rochefoucauld

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

To round off our sixth season Golden Girls: Unsung Heroines of Jewellery, we welcome a very special guest, Juliet Weir-de La Rochefoucauld, author of ...

Elsa Peretti

18 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our fourth and final Golden Girl this season is the incredible Elsa Peretti. Described by Vogue as “arguably the most successful woman ever to work...

Alma Pihl

04 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In part 3 of our sixth season Golden Girls, we jet off to Finland to meet Ulla Tillander-Godenhielm and learn about the life of one of the most one-of...

Suzanne Belperron

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In Part 2 of our sixth season - Golden Girls - we go on another jaunt to Paris (yep that's two weeks in a row!) to find out all we can about the life ...

Jeanne Toussaint

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Gem Pursuit is back with season 6, Golden Girls - Unsung Heroines of Jewellery! We jet off to Paris for our first excursion (of many) this season, to...

Courtville: Past, Present & Future

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this Bonus Bank Holiday Special episode, we wanted to mark the recent passing of the founder of Courtville, Catherine "Kitten" Pierse by having a c...

Religious Symbols in Jewellery

18 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Part VII - Religous Symbols Our fifth season of Gem Pursuit feat. Matthew Weldon & Alyce Ketcher is called 'Treasured Tokens: the Secret Language...

Serpent Jewellery

11 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Part VI - Serpents Our fifth season of Gem Pursuit feat. Matthew Weldon & Alyce Ketcher is called 'Treasured Tokens: the Secret Language of Jewel...

Mourning Jewellery

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Part V - Mourning Motifs in Jewellery Our fifth season of Gem Pursuit feat. Matthew Weldon & Alyce Ketcher is called 'Treasured Tokens: the Secre...

Victorian Flower Language

27 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Part IV - Victorian Flower Language Our fifth season of Gem Pursuit feat. Matthew Weldon & Alyce Ketcher is called 'Treasured Tokens: the Secret ...

Symbols of the Sea

20 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Part III - Symbols of the Sea in Jewellery Our fifth season of Gem Pursuit feat. Matthew Weldon & Alyce Ketcher is called 'Treasured Tokens: the ...

Celestial Motifs in Jewellery

13 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Part II - Celestial Motifs Our fifth season of Gem Pursuit feat. Matthew Weldon & Alyce Ketcher is called 'Treasured Tokens: the Secret Language ...

The Claddagh Ring

06 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Part I - The Claddagh Ring Our fifth season of Gem Pursuit feat. Matthew Weldon & Alyce Ketcher is called 'Treasured Tokens: the Secret Language ...

SILVER (with Jimmy Weldon)

28 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's a little Gem Pursuit bonus episode, featuring an interview with Matty's Dad and one of the foremost experts on antique Irish silver, Jimmy Weldon...

Cartier

21 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's the final instalment in our Firm Favourites series, and we're back to Paris for a bumper episode about the one and only jewellery giant that is C...

Bulgari

14 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Part 5 (or perhaps it should be part V) of our Firm Favourites series, is the Ancient Rome-inspired luxury jewellery house BVLGARI. This Italian gia...

Harry Winston

07 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Part 4 of our 'Firm Favourites: Jewellery Houses That Reign' series is about the King of Diamonds himself, Harry Winston. The American's love of prec...

Van Cleef & Arpels

31 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Part 3 of our 'Firm Favourites: Jewellery Houses That Reign' series has a distinctly French feel as Matty and Alyce discuss the Parisian jewellery gia...

Fabergé

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Tiffany & Co.

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 Ameri...

GOLD [Bonus Episode]

29 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Modern Day Jewellery

22 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The 1980s: "The Repro Era"

15 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

1970s Jewellery

08 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 i...

1960s Jewellery

01 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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...

1950s Jewellery

22 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...