Gem Pursuit Matthew Weldon of Courtville Antique & Vintage Jewellers
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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.
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www.courtville.ie
#jewelry #jewellery #arts #history #design #gemstones #antiquejewelry #artdeco #education #victorianera #edwardianera #vintagejewelry
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Defining Movements: Victorian Period Pt. 2
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 Queen Victoria.
Today we’re moving on from the Romantic era into the Grand era, which began with the sudden death of Prince Albert and was defined by advancements in technology, travel and ancient inspiration. Matthew and Alyce explain the ways of the world during this time period and recognisable elements found in jewellery from the U.K., some which have origins further afield. They of course have some trade tips to help you discover and date pieces for your own collection too.
THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT
Tragic changes in Queen Victoria’s life that started The Grand Period The influence of technological advancements in light and travel Worldly treasures brought home by explorers on The Grand Tour Revivals inspired by a fascination ancient world discoveriesMore availability and innovation for diamonds, opals, silver and more
MORE INFORMATION
Courtville Victorian Collection
https://www.courtville.ie/victorian/
Gem Pursuit Fine Goldwork episode:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6K3cvcs5J3pDjtsI3YFtDM?si=645389ef9a354277b
Social Media
IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville
QUOTES
The most unexpected thing happens, which is the loss of her husband, Prince Albert in 1861. It was a huge shock to the whole family, but in particular to Victoria, who I believe never really recovered from this. - Alyce Ketcher
What fascinated me about what was going on at this time period was the rate of technological change. - Matthew Weldon
All of these items, we still see them today, so they are beloved pieces and souvenirs that were collected during The Grand Tour and would have had sentimental value. - Alyce Ketcher
At this time period, people were super interested, even obsessed, with the ancient world. And there was lots of archaeological finds as well, which spurred this even further. - Matthew Weldon
KEYWORDS
#jewellery #queenvictoria #victorian #diamonds #victorianperiod #grandtour #silver -
Defining Movements: Victorian Period Pt. 1
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’s personality, life and interests inspired many evolving trends in the world.
Over this mini-series, we’ll be taking a closer look at the eras of the Queen’s reign, with this episode focusing on the Romantic era. Matthew and Alyce describe what was happening in Queen Victoria’s life at this time, along with advancements in travel and technology in the world. They take a look at some of her most precious pieces and share trade tips for how you can find the best of this era for your own collection.
THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT
The diverse eras within the Victorian movement How Queen Victoria’s courtship inspired the romantic era Sentimental jewellery as an important gifts in romantic etiquette Recognisable romantic motifs and gemstones Trade tips for finding quality pieces from this era
MORE INFORMATION
Courtville Victorian Collection
https://www.courtville.ie/victorian/
Social Media
IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville
QUOTES
The reason we're going to break down the Victorian era over this little mini series, is because Queen Victoria, or the Victorian era, was from 1837 to 1901, which is obviously a very long time. - Matthew Weldon
It's vital to realise how influential she was to each of these periods, and her feelings at the time, what she was doing, what she was going through, that came through in fashion and in the jewellery - Matthew Weldon
Queen Victoria is fundamental in bringing sentimentality into jewellery. - Alyce Ketcher
She's the first influencer, 100%. Magazines want to see what she's wearing, what she's doing and put them in this magazine, and then emulate it and sell the goods throughout the kingdom. It's really interesting to see how human nature actually hasn't changed very much. - Alyce Ketcher
KEYWORDS
#jewellery #queenvictoria #romanticera #victorian #gemstones #etiquette -
Art Deco Icon in NYC
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 exhibition of one of the most prestigious art deco artists while on her travels.
Tamara de Lempicka had a fascinating life, one that has now been made into a broadway musical. Her unique, standout style had a lasting impact on the Art Deco movement, and her own collection of art, jewellery and antiques is heavily influenced by artists of the time.
Alyce takes us with her on her exploration of Lempicka in NYC, from Broadway to the Sotheby’s exhibition, along with sharing what she learned about this formidable female icon.
THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT
The story of Tamara de Lempicka’s life Flourishing in the Art Deco period in Paris Lempicka’s stand out style compared to other art deco artists Art deco jewellery featured in Lempicka’s art work and personal collection Visiting the Tamara de Lempicka exhibition in Sotheby’s NYC
MORE INFORMATION
Tamara de Lempicka Exhibition
https://www.sothebys.com/en/digital-catalogues/the-world-of-tamara-a-celebration-of-lempicka-art-deco
Social Media
IG - @CourtvilleAntiquesFB - @CourtvilleantiquesTik Tok - @matthew.weldon YouTube - @courtvilleantiquePinterest - @courtville
Gem Pursuit is produced for Courtville.ie by dustpod.io
QUOTES
Her name is synonymous with the art in which she created and has for a long time lived on the fringes of pop culture. - Alyce Ketcher
When we look at her pieces, she is probably the only artist who has ever really taken the essence of the Art Deco period, and actually put it on canvas. - Alyce Ketcher
Tamara de Lempicka was known for enjoying all the things of the Art Deco period, and that was not limited to fashion that you wore, but also jewels that glittered and accessorized those outfits. Many of her portraits will have gorgeous pieces of jewellery. - Alyce Ketcher
KEYWORDS
#artdeco #artwork #jewellery #paris #artist #antique -
Defining Movements: Suffragettes
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 -
Defining Movements: Art Nouveau
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 -
Royal Regalia: Spectacular Sweden
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