Louped: The podcast for the gem and jewellery curious

Kate & Cem

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. Alexandrites Part 1

    4d ago

    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

    1h 3m
  2. Emeralds Part 2

    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

    1h 38m
  3. Emeralds Part 1

    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

    1h 16m
  4. Diamonds Part 4

    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

    1h 21m
  5. Diamonds Part 3

    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

    1h 50m
  6. Diamonds Part 2

    Apr 9

    Diamonds Part 2

    Thank you for joining us for our second diamond episode of April! We hope you're excited for the continuation of our history episode. Last week we left off with diamond mining in Brazil, this time we pick back up with South Africa and DeBeers. We also address our modern conception of the engagement ring and answer the question 'does my engagement ring have to be a diamond?' We are also delighted to tease a special episode to be released at the end of the month. 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. Additionally, if you would like to explore the brilliant jeweller who made my engagement ring and who casted Cem's wedding band, we have included Cady's website in the links below. We hope you enjoy this second of four April episodes and are looking forward to our next episode when we go into science and value! Additional Resources: https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research/historical-reading-diamond-fields-south-africa-1868-1893 https://www.metmuseum.org/perspectives/indian-diamonds-benjamin-zucker-family-collection https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/make-the-million-dollar-leap-with-a-20-carat-diamond-ring https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-32131829 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mOv-hNF_uCo https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JLJOyzAW3oo https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=a1REfTIc5po https://www.americangemsociety.org/buying-diamonds-with-confidence/the-history-of-the-diamond-as-an-engagement-ring/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-27371208 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPreyczEjb_/?igsh=MTMxYzJudzU2MXR0Zg== https://www.metmuseum.org/perspectives/indian-diamonds-benjamin-zucker-family-collection 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

    1h 30m
  7. Diamonds Part 1

    Apr 2

    Diamonds Part 1

    Thank you for joining us for our first diamond episode of April! We hope all those who have an April birthday are enjoying yourselves (looking at you Dad!) This month gets a little additional love, as the history of diamonds is such that we need to break it into two parts. We are also delighted to tease a bonus special episode to be released at the end of the month. In this episode we talk about the origin of diamonds (at least as utilised in society), kicking things off with India and then across several bodies of water to Brazil. We talk mythology and faceting progression and how our depictions of diamonds have evolved. 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 four April episodes and are excited for this month of diamonds! Additional Resources: https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/the-golconda-treasure-that-enchanted-a-queen https://www.metmuseum.org/perspectives/indian-diamonds-benjamin-zucker-family-collection https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research/historical-reading-diamond-and-carbonado-part-1 https://www.gia.edu/diamonds-ancient-india-reading-list https://gem-a.com/gem-hub/golconda-diamonds-india-myths-legends/ https://collections.vam.ac.uk/search/?page=2&page_size=15&q=IHS+pendant https://www.mauritshuis.nl/en/our-collection/artworks/278-portrait-of-jane-seymour-1509-1537 https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/spring-2017-brazilian-diamonds https://www.langantiques.com/university/a-history-of-diamond-cutting/?srsltid=AfmBOoo_XdpjtIoAdeUvq9J_Wf-Ape8rXpymgPMLTzC1xk6v_jmDk0kd 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

    1h 17m
  8. Aquamarines Part 2

    Mar 19

    Aquamarines Part 2

    Thank you for joining us for our second aquamarine episode of March! We hope all those who have a March birthday are enjoying yourselves (including Kate and her brother Travis of course). Welcome back to science and values. We've pivoted a little in the episode as we talk about differentiating aquamarine from blue topaz (Kate's nemesis). We discuss the refractive index and the issues that accompany misidentification. 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 March episodes and are excited for next month which is all about diamonds! Additional Resources: https://naturalhistory.si.edu/explore/collections/geogallery/10002806 http://smithsonianmag.com/blogs/national-museum-of-natural-history/2021/03/16/how-worlds-largest-aquamarine-gem-came-be/ https://naturalhistory.si.edu/explore/collections/geogallery/10026429 https://www.gemsociety.org/article/famous-aquamarines/ https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2009/magnificent-jewels-and-noble-jewelsbrandbra-celebration-of-taste-and-style-magnificent-jewels-from-a-private-collection-ge0902/lot.283.html?locale=en https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/magnificent-jewels-5/lalique-aquamarine-and-enamel-brooch 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

    1h 29m
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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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