Gem Pursuit Matthew Weldon of Courtville Antique & Vintage Jewellers

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 pieces.


Today, we’re taking a look at the jewellery that was inspired by and created for the suffragette movement in the UK. These political pieces are some of the most collectible antique jewellery you will come across and are an important reminder of the fight for women’s right to vote in the early 20th century. Matthew and Alyce take a look at the origin of the suffrage movement, including why jewellery became such an important part of their protest and honour the incredible women who gave up their lives to fight for the cause. 






THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT


The origin of the Suffragette movement Colours and gemstones typical to suffragette pieces Trade tips for collecting the incredibly rare suffragette jewellery A badge of honour brooch for political prisoners of the movement Iconic women of the suffragette movement and jewellery they created 





MORE INFORMATION


Sylvia Pankhurst Holloway Prison Brooch


https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/holloway-prison-brooch-279701 






Suffragette necklace available at Courtville Antiques 


https://www.instagram.com/p/C5QUUTZCM_J/






Social Media


IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville





QUOTES


The fact that they were willing to go to these extreme lengths to gain their rights is very inspiring, and of course, it inspired not only that movement, but a jewellery movement as well. - Alyce Ketcher






I think the key factor for a suffragette piece of jewellery comes down to the colors really. - Matthew Weldon 






My trade tip for you is if you're looking at a suffragette piece, it wants to be in the arts and crafts style, Art Nouveau style or Edwardian style and yellow gold or silver. - Alyce Ketcher 






Sylvia Pankhurst actually designs a brooch. Now referred to as the Holloway prison brooch, they were given to suffragettes who were incarcerated at Holloway prison as kind of like a badge of honor. - Alyce Ketcher 






KEYWORDS


#suffragette #women #jewellery #edwardian #suffrage #brooch

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


We’ve covered jewellery eras in a past series but we never got to dive into this incredible movement that shaped art, design, architecture and of course jewellery. Although sometimes considered an acquired taste, art nouveau can be appreciated for its unique, beautiful style and the talent it took to create. Matthew and Alyce look back at the evolution of the movement and how it was influenced by worldly events, along with why the style was considered progressive or even risqué. They also share their favourite icons of the era and offer trade tips on how to add some pieces to your own collection. 






THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT


Art movements compared to fleeting modern trends The worldly influences on the Art Nouveau evolution Defining the style with free flowing lines and nature inspiration Trade tips for adding Art Nouveau pieces to your collection Icons of the era: Fouquet and Lalique





MORE INFORMATION


French Art Nouveau ring featuring Colombian emerald cabochon https://www.instagram.com/p/CwubyTLo2Jl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==






Art Nouveau coin ring featuring a whimsical woman adorning a diamond necklace


https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1uMGd-suae/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==






Social Media






IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville





 Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville by Dustpod.io.






QUOTES


When I think about movements from the past, it's a lot like something going viral on Instagram or something going viral on social media today. - Alyce Ketcher 






When I think of Art Nouveau, you’ve really got to set the scene in terms of what's going on in the world that actually led to this movement. - Matthew Weldon 






The free flowing lines, the female body, the insects, the imagination, and the almost fantasy style. You can really appreciate it and Art Nouveau as an art form,  - Matthew Weldon 






You cannot talk about Art Nouveau without talking about my icon, it's impossible. And what's really interesting about my icon is that he kind of never set out to be a jeweller. - Alyce Kethcer 






KEYWORDS


#artnouveau #jewellery #design #jewel #enamel #art

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 crown jewels of Sweden. 


Sweden’s Kingdom has a history spanning over 1000 years. The protected jewel collection features some of the most impressive parures and tiaras you’ll ever see, including a bejeweled, cowboy-esque crown. 


Matthew and Alyce dive into the country’s unique, multinational history and trace back the origins of some of their spectacular pieces. They also share their favourites of the collection, highlighting beautiful detailed cameos and an incredible rare gemstone. 






THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT


Sweden’s multinational royal history How Sweden came to have a French family name on the throne The establishment of the Swedish ‘fideikomiss’ to protect their jewels A bejeweled cowboy hat fit for future kings and queens Unique collection pieces including detailed cameos and unusual gemstones


MORE INFORMATION


The Swedish Royal Regalia 


https://www.kungahuset.se/english/royal-cultural-heritage 






The Swedish State Regalia 


https://www.kungligaslotten.se/4.35bccc2161be12b93e3387.html?archive=3.35bccc2161be12b93e3583#svid10_46ca39931600d1b7b982f3 






King Karl X Gustav's Crown of the Heir Apparent


https://www.kungligaslotten.se/english/archives/the-state-regalia/2020-03-16-king-karl-x-gustavs-crown-of-the-heir-apparent.html 






Pink Topaz Parure 


https://www.thecourtjeweller.com/2022/11/spectacular-swedish-pink-topazes-for-queen-silvia.html 






Cameo Tiara 


https://www.thecourtjeweller.com/2021/02/the-stories-of-swedens-romantic-cameo.html 






Social Media






IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville





 Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville by Dustpod.io.






QUOTES


The connections in the Swedish Royal Family to the Danish, the British, the Norwegian, I mean, their family trees read like a bowl of spaghetti. - Alyce Ketcher 






The whole point was that these jewels that were left in this collection had to stay within the family. Whoever inherited them had to pass them on to the next one, you couldn't do anything with them. So they were kind of yours, but they had to stay as property of the Swedish crown. - Matthew Weldon 






One thing that I really love about the about Scandinavia royal families, the Scandies, they're not afraid to wear a good tiara.  - Alyce Ketcher 






KEYWORDS


#tiara #sweden #crown #jewels #royalregalia #king #cameos #diamonds #royalfamily

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 jewels close to home. 


Although you may not have known this country would have crown jewels, we’ll find out the history that led to their establishment, how they trace back to British royal regalia and the suspicious circumstances of their mysterious disappearance, which is still unsolved to this day. 


Matthew and Alyce are joined by a very special guest for this episode, leading expert on Irish silver and antique jewellery Jimmy Weldon, who has a familial link to the case of the missing jewels and is also Matthew’s father.






THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT


The complicated colonial relationship led to Ireland’s crown jewel collectionHow provenance unimaginably inflates the value of crown jewels  A series of questionable events that led to their mysterious disappearanceWho would technically have ownership of the jewels if they were discovered The Weldon family link to this curious case


MORE INFORMATION


The Irish Crown Jewels 


https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/irish-crown-jewels-stolen






https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-62924392  






Social Media






IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville





 Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville by Dustpod.io.






QUOTES


It can be described almost as mystical. It's like they're like a mountain stream, where today we're talking about D color diamonds being the finest, in the old times they used to speak of diamonds being of the first water. - Jimmy Weldon 






The key to understanding the Irish Crown Jewels, you can't mention them without mentioning that they're gone. - Matthew Weldon 






This is fascinating to have a direct link to the possible recovery of such important jewels, especially to the country. But what do we think really happened to them? - Alyce Kethcer 










KEYWORDS


#crownjewels #ireland #dublincastle #royal #diamonds #history

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 world’s most famous crown jewels. Today, we look at a collection shroud in family spats and colonial controversy. 


The British Royal Family has always been subject to criticism and the history of their jewel collections are no different. From questions around ownership to some of the most impressive emeralds with a questionable backstory. Matthew and Alyce dive into the mysterious acquisitions of this collection, including the messy lineage of the royal family. They also reveal their favourite pieces and where you can see these fantastic royal jewels for yourself. 






THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT


The UK’s strained royal family lineage The controversial origins of the British Royal Family collections A mystery of emeralds and diamonds in the Queen’s negligeeQueen Victoria’s sentimental heirloom worn by five different queensWhere you can see the British royal regalia, or at least what we know of it  





MORE INFORMATION


Cullinan Diamonds


https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geology/cullinan-diamond.htm 


Prince Albert’s Brooch 


https://www.thecourtjeweller.com/2019/08/prince-alberts-brooch.html 






Social Media


IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville

 Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville by Dustpod.io.






QUOTES


We have a lot to thank for the marriages that came into the British Royal Family. A lot of the marriages brought extremely wealthy women into the Kingdom, who brought their own jewels that were bequeathed to them from other royal families. - Alyce Ketcher 


The scepter holds the largest of the Cullinan diamonds, and the largest cut diamond in the world, 530 carats. The weight of these things as well is just incredible. - Alyce Ketcher 


The Scottish regalia is also a part of the British Royal Family. It's a little bit controversial, but does it really belong to the British Royal Family? - Alyce Ketcher


There's those pieces that in a way might even be more important to the people who get them because it's specific to them - Matthew Weldon


It is said that it's bad luck for any man to wear that diamond - Matthew Weldon 


I would say you're absolutely right, there are pieces that we don't see because it actually would just be too controversial. - Matthew Weldon 


I can imagine when you wear something like this, you would feel otherworldly. It is just a magnificent piece. - Alyce Ketcher 






KEYWORDS


#royalfamily #diamonds #crownjewels #emeralds #queenvictoria #royalregalia #jewellery

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 crown jewels that has been accumulating over many centuries.


The Iranian National Jewels stand as one of the world’s most expensive and extensive collections in the world. Matthew and Alyce examine their tumultuous history and decadent taste, including how the royal family ended up with the largest pink diamond known to man and the indulgent party that eventually led to their exile from Iran. They also share their favourite pieces and, of course, let you know where you can see the collection for yourself.  






THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT


The centuries of history of Iranian royalty Iran’s extensive collection of lavish jewelled pieces A solid gold golden globe to house your loose gemstones The decadent party that led to Iranian royal family exile A two kilogram tiara with the world’s largest pink diamond 





MORE INFORMATION


Iranian National Jewels 


https://www.iransafar.co/iran-national-jewels-museum/ 






https://raseef22.net/english/article/1092915-irans-royal-jewels-a-dazzling-legacy-of-persian-kings-and-queens 






Noor-ul-Ain Tiara


https://royalwatcherblog.com/2023/10/14/noor-ul-ain-tiara/?utm_content=cmp-true 






Social Media


IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon    YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville





Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville by Dustpod.io.






QUOTES


It's always super important that we get the context of how these Crown Jewels got to where they actually are today. The Iranian Crown Jewels date back centuries, and it is super extensive and one of the most impressive collections we are going to see. - Matthew Weldon 


It's pretty vast, and it has some of those important gemstones in history, as well as also having a lot of men's jewels. - Matthew Weldon 


It's literally stuff out of fairy tales. These are not your normal pieces of jewellery. This is historical, otherworldly jewels. - Alyce Ketcher 


What didn't they put jewels in? They put them in everything - Matthew Weldon, Alyce Ketcher


These two stones, not only historically, but the fact that they are fancy Pink Diamonds, they are the largest in the world, it's thought that there is no way to actually put a value on them. - Alyce Ketcher






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.






KEYWORDS


#dynasty #royalfamily #iran #history #crownjewels #goldenglobe #jewellery #gemstones