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 marks not just a podcast milestone, but also the 100-year anniversary of the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs — the defining moment of the Art Deco era, and a showcase for Lalique’s visionary designs.
We revisit the artistry, innovation, and sheer drama of René Lalique’s work, from his pioneering use of materials to the way he blurred the boundaries between fine art and fine jewellery.
And to celebrate 100 episodes together, we’re playing a one-off game: The Jewel-y-weds Game — where Alyce and Matthew test how well they really know each other after a hundred episodes of sparkling stories, tricky trivia, and heated debates.
Thank you for joining us on our Gem Pursuit. Here’s to the next hundred!
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This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck
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Opal Tiara | V&A Cartier Exhbition (Audio guide)
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 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 Opal Tiara, once worn by Mary Alice Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire. Set with luminous opals and shimmering diamonds, this ethereal tiara captures a moment when Cartier reimagined regal tradition with a fresh, modern elegance. In this episode, we explore the design that crowned a duchess and the craftsmanship that makes it timeless.
This item can currently be admired up close in the Tiara Room at the V&A exhibition in London - the final gallery of the exhibition.
If you can't make it to the exhibit, check out the V&A website and view the pieces for yourself.
www.courtville.ie
Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck
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 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 diamond and rock crystal cuffs worn by screen legend Gloria Swanson. Bold, striking and unapologetically modern, these cuff bangles were more than accessories - they were a statement, on and off the silver screen.
In this episode, we explore the story of their incredible design and the star who made them so iconic.
These items can currently be admired up close in the Film Room at the V&A exhibition in London - the final gallery of the exhibition.
If you can't make it to the exhibit, check out the V&A website and view the pieces for yourself.
www.courtville.ie
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This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck
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The Dress was the Accessory: Amethyst Bib Necklace | V&A Cartier Exhbition (Audio guide)
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 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 Amethyst Bib Necklace, a vivid and sculptural piece created by Cartier for Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor.
We explore how this daring jewell didn’t just complement a look, it defined one. A bold necklace for a bold woman in a bold era, and a perfect example of jewellery leading the way in personal style.
It can currently be admired up close in the Royal Room, at the V&A exhibition in London — the fourth 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.
www.courtville.ie
Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck
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 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 Egyptian Revival scarab brooches, captivating jewels that blend ancient symbolism with 20th-century glamour. These brooches bring to life the fascination with Egypt - AKA Tutmania - that swept through art and design in the early 20th century, inspiring intricate craftsmanship and bold, exotic motifs.
They can currently be admired up close in the World Room - the second gallery from the beginning of the exhibition.
If you can't make it to the exhibit, check out the V&A website and view the pieces for yourself.
www.courtville.ie
Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck
Explore the endlessly fascinating stories behind famous pieces of jewellery. Become captivated by the phenomenal gems that form deep within the earth's crust. Be inspired by some of the most incredible craftspeople and designers the world has ever seen.
Join Matthew Weldon, CEO of Courtville and GIA-certified gemologist Alyce Ketcher on their gem pursuit as they use their unique knowledge, passion and expertise to illuminate the magical and mysterious world of antique and vintage jewellery.
Never miss an episode, subscribe and stay tuned. Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
www.courtville.ie
#jewelry #jewellery #arts #history #design #gemstones #antiquejewelry #artdeco #education #victorianera #edwardianera #vintagejewelry
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