Louped: The podcast for the gem and jewellery curious

Kate & Cem
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Just as it says in the title. Together, my co-hosts and I will take you along the branching pathways of the jewellery world and the gem industry. We'll talk science, artistry, practicality, history, value, and even get into curses and superstitions. If you've ever been curious about what you're wearing or if that engagement ring really is an investment, give us a listen.

  1. Jul 23

    Rubies Part 2

    Thank you for joining us for this month of July! We hope you've enjoyed our ruby episodes as much as we have enjoyed putting them together. This episode we discuss the science and values side of things and Kate gets into why she's a little wary of this beautiful gemstone. Spoiler alert, it's all because of the variety of clarity and colour enhancing treatments that can be found within the ruby world. We also chat a bit about Liz Taylor because we can't discuss rubies without addressing her gorgeous collection. For this week's episode our thumbnail is of a synthetic ruby. So for those of you who are curious what a synthetic ruby looks like, now you have a great example of one! We have of course added some additional resources below, as well as our contact details and our Buy Me A Coffee link if you feel so inclined. We hope you enjoy the last of our July episodes and are excited for next month which is all about peridot! Additional Resources: https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/magnificent-jewels-2/a-superb-ruby-and-diamond-ring https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/elizabeth-taylor-ruby-necklace-cartier-mike-todd https://www.thecourtjeweller.com/2025/07/dame-elizabeth-taylors-royal-cartier-ruby-moment-in-london.html https://www.gemdat.org/gem-3473.html https://www.gia.edu/ruby https://www.gia.edu/birthstones If you have any questions or would like to comment on an episode, you can reach us on Instagram @loupedpodcast or by email at loupedpodcast@gmail.com Or if you'd like to buy us a coffee, you can do so here! buymeacoffee.com/loupedpodcast Additionally, if you happen to be visiting Scotland, make sure you check out Ballintaggart Cook School if you have the time and opportunity! https://ballintaggart.com/

    Rubies Part 2

  2. Jul 9

    Rubies Part 1

    Happy July from Louped: The Podcast for the Gem and Jewellery Curious! We are officially half way through this year and our first season. We would like to thank all of our loyal listeners as well as those of you who have just recently joined us. This is the first of our ruby episodes where we talk all about the history of these beautiful gemstones. Kate digs more into the names and minutiae and Cem is along for the ride! We have of course added some additional resources below, as well as our contact details and our Buy Me A Coffee link if you feel so inclined. We hope you enjoy this first of our July episodes and please join us in wishing a happy birthday to all those who celebrate this month! Additional Resources: https://thenaturalrubycompany.com/education/ruby-history/rubies-in-antiquity/?srsltid=AfmBOoqvGdWwRP9Uw-_2P_ljDwFygPxjAnJdwK_lwFU-9a7oRUZbIfAs https://sarata.com/bible/web/verses.about/rubies.html https://www.vulcans-forge.com/blog/news/cursed-gemstones-the-black-princes-ruby?srsltid=AfmBOoq2RNT-xa_0IqW9hn7PPKiKGS_tOPwB2bx7XzhaeQw57qvLaGiW https://www.gemsociety.org/article/what-are-balas-rubies-and-ruby-spinels/ https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%208%3A11&version=KJV https://www.etymonline.com/word/ruby https://www.britannica.com/science/Orientalism-cultural-field-of-study https://explorersweb.com/great-explorers-jean-baptiste-tavernier/ https://www.veerasakgems.com/articles/the-fascinating-cultural-history-of-rubies/ https://www.gia.edu/ruby-history-lore If you have any questions or would like to comment on an episode, you can reach us on Instagram @loupedpodcast or by email at loupedpodcast@gmail.com Or if you'd like to buy us a coffee, you can do so here! buymeacoffee.com/loupedpodcast

    Rubies Part 1

  3. Jun 25

    Alexandrites Part 2

    Thank you for joining us for our final Alexandrite episode for the month of June! We hope you have enjoyed this look into our first phenomenal birthstone of the year. It has been a little break for Cem and for Kate but they are raring and ready for the next half of this season of birthstones! Resources: https://www.gemdat.org/gem-109.html https://naturalhistory.si.edu/explore/collections/geogallery/10002786 https://www.raregemcollection.com/post/top-10-rarest-alexandrites-sold-at-auction-in-2025?srsltid=AfmBOorGL45g0uNENMrWurO6ZAj9jCT6u6aq-j9Zb_jvUpUdan14WSwN https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/wn13-titanium-synthetic-alexandrite https://www.britannica.com/science/orthorhombic-system https://www.mindat.org/article.php/2793/Crystallography%3A+The+Orthorhombic+System https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/spring-2019-pleochroism-color-change-in-faceted-alexandrite-influence-cut-orientation https://www.gia.edu/gem-synthetic https://www.raregemcollection.com/post/alexandrite-color-change-explained?srsltid=AfmBOoousIaRGYk7DdtdRj2pW2kLZ4EhJXfITdNUW7hCorptlbZ8BaX8 https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/magnificent-jewels-2/an-exceptional-pair-of-alexandrite-and-diamond https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/magnificent-jewels-2/an-exceptional-alexandrite-and-diamond-ring For those of you wondering about our recs for Paris, we've popped those details below as well for your next visit! https://www.arts-et-metiers.net/ https://lamijean.fr/ https://www.robertetlouise.com/en/ https://auxlyonnais.com/ Contact us: @loupedpodcast, loupedpodcast@gmail.com, buymeacoffee.com/loupedpodcast

    Alexandrites Part 2

  4. Jun 11

    Alexandrites Part 1

    Welcome the month of June! This birthstone is Alexandrite, a very unique and rare variety of chrysoberyl and our first phenomenal gemstone of the year. This episode we talk about not only Alexandrite's origins but we give you some context for chrysoberyl and go into a little detail about just what a phenomenal gemstone is. We would like to wish all of our June babies a very happy birthday and to let you know that if Alexandrite is a bit out of your budget, you have two alternative birthstones that you can still enjoy: moonstone and pearl! Additional Resources: https://www.gia.edu/alexandrite https://www.gia.edu/alexandrite-history-lore https://www.americangemsociety.org/birthstones/june-birthstones/history-of-alexandrite/ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alexandrite https://www.thejewelleryeditor.com/jewellery/article/these-alternative-coloured-gemstones-moving-very-precious-circles/ https://www.langantiques.com/university/chrysoberyl/ https://www.berganza.com/knowledge/gemmology/gemstones/chrysoberyl?srsltid=AfmBOopHNI52WvNEve2CJdvGoy4NdU99Ma349sRp5hERR_Hwj_m9wTqi https://naturalgemstones.com/education/historical-perspective-of-chrysoberyl/?srsltid=AfmBOord7aJ8j3DLNm5I4QOItdHco9YcxRpm0QYbx65PKW80kVPxnAbp https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/5403

    Alexandrites Part 1

  5. May 21

    Emeralds Part 2

    Thank you for joining us for our last emerald episode of the month! We hope you've enjoyed this science and values chat and we'll catch you in the next episode! Additional Resources: https://emeralds.com/education/understanding-the-concept-of-jardin/?srsltid=AfmBOooljRi8ckL13LGw_f5OPW1t3VT_swJx7XxbY3oZ7dlfBz8pqLPQ https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/a-closer-look-at-the-4-most-expensive-colombian-emerald-rings-sold-at-auction https://www.christies.com/en/stories/the-aga-khan-emerald-ffab6ed1e977403c852bb445ee724b0f https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research-spring-auction-updates-most-expensive-gem-ever-other-records https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/colombian-emeralds-a-detailed-guide-for-collectors-and-enthusiasts https://youtu.be/z0SbWFva8y8?si=f5O0RUXWyR4mkIE8 https://emeralds.com/education/emerald-characteristics/the-nature-of-emeralds/?srsltid=AfmBOorqdFy8r10K2pMzYglSyJV8Aljagu2HfQU9UApu37JHLoaeaHRa https://sothebys-com.brightspotcdn.com/c4/94/a6e12988458baa13935a1141272a/mughal-spectacles-pr-en.pdf https://www.gemdat.org/gem-1375.html https://emeralds.com/education/emeralds-believed-to-aid-healing/?srsltid=AfmBOorXmFfpkbztoUcxnygCOp-bysxmLFSXT7Ybjwz1CCAJo1ya0TMp https://www.harpersbazaararabia.com/fashion/watches-jewellery/bvlgari-mediterranean-high-jewellery Emeralds supplied by Harmony Gems Jewellery created and photographed by Hearth and Bellows https://harmonygems.uk/ https://www.hearthandbellows.com/ @loupedpodcast, loupedpodcast@gmail.com, buymeacoffee.com/loupedpodcast

    Emeralds Part 2

  6. May 7

    Emeralds Part 1

    Thank you for joining us for our first emerald episode of May! This first episode we start with ancient history; ping-ponging back and forth between Catholic saints and Cleopatra and on to pre-Columbian South America and the civilisations before the Spanish. Resources: https://youtu.be/9FlfinciteA?si=1E1igK7qm95BSFm6 https://youtu.be/BkhKhhamX0I?si=5nyr0zb4hnZXEtTT https://samijewellery.com/blogs/news/mythology-godess-umina-the-emerald?srsltid=AfmBOoolHy8DcU0ams4laWyJUKZ6wD81g4RdsbUMmTQ1BMqeXfduZTA9 https://emeralds.com/education/emerald-history/south-american-emerald-legends/?srsltid=AfmBOooSwiWJY3GXDO3b-c1wPuYj-2G0W3NO9FLsZhjcKrNBUcz5m3RX https://alromaizan.com/blog/the-story-of-emerald-the-jewel-of-kings?srsltid=AfmBOoo_WLzxa_69bjQZbHdGGShxbN0MvgXSl2jUkKesnEPKJX26BdBF https://jrcolombianemeralds.com/blogs/news/all-you-need-to-know-about-emeralds-and-its-history-emerald-essentials https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2000/mummy-portraits https://thevarsity.ca/2023/09/04/cleopatras-champagne/ https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/Y_EA74706 https://languagehat.com/emerald/ https://qspirit.net/euphrosyne-smaragdus-queer-saint/ https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05606c.htm https://www.etymonline.com/word/emerald https://biblehub.com/topical/s/smaragdus.htm https://www.gia.edu/emerald-history-lore https://www.cabinet.ox.ac.uk/emerald-tablet-hermes-trismegistus @loupedpodcast, loupedpodcast@gmail.com, buymeacoffee.com/loupedpodcast

    Emeralds Part 1

  7. Apr 23

    Diamonds Part 4

    Thank you for joining us for this special episode where Kate is accompanied by guest co-host Shaheen! We are delighted to bring you this episode featuring an industry professional actively working in the field. This episode explores the ins and outs of the diamond industry as well as the real scoop on synthetic diamonds. We also discuss some alternatives for those who don't want a diamond but do want a colourless or sparkly option. We would encourage you to visit Shaheen's website which will be listed below. We have also included her contact details if you have any follow-up questions for her. Additionally, please do see below for our contact information and Buy Me A Coffee link as well as the website for Hearth and Bellows (the maker of Kate and Cem's engagement rings). If you would like to reach Shaheen: https://sbgemmologicalsolutions.com/ @sbgemsolutions If you would like to reach Cady with Hearth and Bellows: @hearthandbellows https://www.hearthandbellows.com/ If you have any questions or would like to comment on an episode, you can reach us on Instagram @loupedpodcast or by email at loupedpodcast@gmail.com Or if you'd like to buy us a coffee, you can do so here! buymeacoffee.com/loupedpodcast

    Diamonds Part 4

  8. Apr 16

    Diamonds Part 3

    We are all about science and values for our third diamond episode of April! Last week we left off with South Africa and DeBeers as well as the marketing strategies that got us to where we are today. This week we look at the true costs incurred by the diamond market as well what we consider investment grade diamonds. We are also delighted to tease that our next and last episode of this month is a special one with a new voice, so make sure to tune in next week for the exciting conclusion of our April Diamond Season! We have of course added some additional resources below, as well as our contact details and our Buy Me A Coffee link if you feel so inclined. We hope you enjoy our third of four April episodes and are looking forward to the exciting conclusion for next week! Additional Resources: https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/the-4-most-expensive-yellow-diamonds-over-100-carats https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/the-five-most-expensive-pink-diamonds https://www.moussaieff-jewellers.com/the-house/ https://www.naturaldiamonds.com/historic-diamonds/moussaieff-red-diamond/ https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/digging-diamond-types/ https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/discover-type-iia-diamonds-the-most-exceptional-10-carat-diamonds https://www.si.edu/spotlight/hope-diamond/history https://www.langantiques.com/university/irradiation/?srsltid=AfmBOooHMkbnGyJqaL31b8Q1nzm131_M4KK-PLSjGNGKlaioh4fVKoH0 https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/green-diamond/ https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/nine-things-about-diamond-carat-weight-you-need-to-know/ https://www.rockngem.com/what-are-herkimer-diamonds/ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8It6KFhlsBo https://youtu.be/8It6KFhlsBo?si=dncWU1BWOsrcoMiP If you have any questions or would like to comment on an episode, you can reach us on Instagram @loupedpodcast or by email at loupedpodcast@gmail.com Or if you'd like to buy us a coffee, you can do so here! buymeacoffee.com/loupedpodcast

    Diamonds Part 3
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About

Just as it says in the title. Together, my co-hosts and I will take you along the branching pathways of the jewellery world and the gem industry. We'll talk science, artistry, practicality, history, value, and even get into curses and superstitions. If you've ever been curious about what you're wearing or if that engagement ring really is an investment, give us a listen.

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