Part VII - Religous Symbols Our fifth season of Gem Pursuit feat. Matthew Weldon & Alyce Ketcher is called 'Treasured Tokens: the Secret Language of Jewellery' In the final part of this series, we probably bite off a bit more than we can chew by trying to cover the topic of religious symbols in one hour-long podcast… We mainly discuss symbols from Christianity such as the ichthus, the cross and where they show up in jewellery as well as other forms of christian jewellery like iconographic rings and St Christopher medals.  We also touch on symbols from other world religions as well as some famous pieces that carry a religious meaning. Listen to end for the conclusion of this season of Gem Trivial Pursuit… Producer: Ross Hannon Additional Research: Giulia Grasseschi www.courtville.ie

Part VI - Serpents Our fifth season of Gem Pursuit feat. Matthew Weldon & Alyce Ketcher is called 'Treasured Tokens: the Secret Language of Jewellery' In the penultimate episode of this series, we take a look at the mysterious and often misunderstood symbol that is the serpent. The snake has been an extremely popular motif in jewellery down through the centuries, partly because of the way it naturally coils around the body but also due to its complex and ambivalent symbolic signifiance. We talk about the serpent in the story of Adam & Eve, René Lalique and the Art Nouveau movement, Sarah Bernhardt's Medusa headpiece, Diana Vreeland and of course Bulgari's Serpenti collection. Listen to the end for Collector's Tips where we'll tell you what to look out for when you're buying your own pieces of serpent jewellery. Producer: Ross Hannon Additional Research: Giulia Grasseschi www.courtville.ie

Part V - Mourning Motifs in Jewellery Our fifth season of Gem Pursuit feat. Matthew Weldon & Alyce Ketcher is called 'Treasured Tokens: the Secret Language of Jewellery' Long before the modern phrase 'YOLO' (you only live once) entered common parlance, a similar sentiment has been expressed since ancient times through the latin expression 'Memento Mori' which literally translates as 'remember that you (must) die'. This episode will focus on how this expression, which has its roots in classical philosophy, had a major influence on art, architecture and of course jewellery through the centuries, culminating in a huge wave of popularity during the mourning period of the Victorian Era. View our collection of mourning jewellery. Producer: Ross Hannon Additional Research: Giulia Grasseschi www.courtville.ie

Part IV - Victorian Flower Language Our fifth season of Gem Pursuit feat. Matthew Weldon & Alyce Ketcher is called 'Treasured Tokens: the Secret Language of Jewellery' The Victorian period was a time when self-expression wasn't really advised so if you wanted to show somebody how you felt, you had to get creative. One of the amazing ways they did this was by exchanging flowers that served as their own cryptic love language. And of course, this had a knock-on effect on the jewellery that was made in this period. We break help you crack the code in this episode and tell you how to navigate the sophisticated landscape of Victorian flower jewellery. Producer: Ross Hannon Additional Research: Giulia Grasseschi www.courtville.ie #victorianera #victorianjewellery #history #gems

Part III - Symbols of the Sea in Jewellery Our fifth season of Gem Pursuit feat. Matthew Weldon & Alyce Ketcher is called 'Treasured Tokens: the Secret Language of Jewellery' In this episode we do a deep dive into the unknown and the unknowable deep blue ocean. As always we talk about the origin and evolution of these motifs and then get our hands salty and briney as we sift through coral, anchors and shells, dodging jellyfish and turtles to find the real treasured tokens at the bottom of the sea. As always we'll have great jewellery stories - this week featuring heavy hitters such as Jean Schlumberger, Fulco di Verdura, René Boivin and Salvador Dali. Listen to the end for collector's tips and an even-more-controversial-than-usual edition of Gem Trivial Pursuit. Producer: Ross Hannon Additional Research: Giulia Grasseschi www.courtville.ie

Part II - Celestial Motifs Our fifth season of Gem Pursuit feat. Matthew Weldon & Alyce Ketcher is called 'Treasured Tokens: the Secret Language of Jewellery' This week we are looking to the skies and thanking the gods for celestial symbols that have been inspiring beautiful art & jewellery for longer than anyone can remember. Producer: Ross Hannon Additional Research: Giulia Grasseschi www.courtville.ie

Part I - The Claddagh Ring Our fifth season of Gem Pursuit feat. Matthew Weldon & Alyce Ketcher is called 'Treasured Tokens: the Secret Language of Jewellery' We go back to the origins of this extremely popular Irish symbol of love, loyalty and friendship to discover that its history stretches back a little further than one might think... We try to separate fact from fiction in the story of who made the very first Claddagh ring. And as always we'll have specific jewellery stories, collector's tips and a brand new (but unchanged) edition of Gem Trivial Pursuit. Producer: Ross Hannon Additional Research: Giulia Grasseschi www.courtville.ie

It's a little Gem Pursuit bonus episode, featuring an interview with Matty's Dad and one of the foremost experts on antique Irish silver, Jimmy Weldon. We sat down for a lovely chat (rudely cut short by a very loud machine on the street - the perils of recording in Dublin city!) about the history of silver in Ireland, how to spot a good piece of silver and why he has been so drawn to it over the years. We hope you enjoy Jimmy's mellifluous tones, vast knowledge and delightful passion for beautiful objects. View our sterling silver collection. Producer: Ross Hannon www.courtville.ie

It's the final instalment in our Firm Favourites series, and we're back to Paris for a bumper episode about the one and only jewellery giant that is Cartier. King Edward VII famously described Cartier as "the Jeweller of Kings and the King of Jewellers" but as you'll learn in this episode, he wasn't the only one who thought so. Among other things we discuss King Lear, the Patiala necklace, Platinum, Panthers and the origins of the modern wristwatch. We've talked about Cartier in almost every episode, such is their dominance of the jewellery world, but we dug up some brand new Cartier stories for you this week. And don't forget to listen to the end for the conclusion of this season's very tightly contested Gem Trivial Pursuit! Producer: Ross Hannon www.courtville.ie

Part 5 (or perhaps it should be part V) of our Firm Favourites series, is the Ancient Rome-inspired luxury jewellery house BVLGARI. This Italian giant led the way in so many ways during the last century of fine jewellery design. We talk serpent motifs, coin collections, chunky yellow gold, cabochon cuts and, of course, Elizabeth Taylor! As always, listen to the end to for another battle of Gem Trivial Pursuit! Producer: Ross Hannon www.courtville.ie

Part 4 of our 'Firm Favourites: Jewellery Houses That Reign' series is about the King of Diamonds himself, Harry Winston. The American's love of precious gems was legendary and it would be hard to find a diamond of note that didn't pass through his hands at some stage or another. Matty and Alyce swap stories about some of his most well-known acquisitions as well as some of the ingenious marketing strategies that set his Harry Winston, Inc apart. And of course do listen to the end to join us for another round of Gem Trivial Pursuit! Producer: Ross Hannon www.courtville.ie

Part 3 of our 'Firm Favourites: Jewellery Houses That Reign' series has a distinctly French feel as Matty and Alyce discuss the Parisian jewellery giants Van Cleef & Arpels. VCA have a reputation for being one of the most innovative jewellery firms in history and we put some of their most remarkable designs under the microscope such as the inimitable mystery setting and the marvellous Zip necklace. We also reveal the reason why you will never find opals in antique Van Cleef pieces. And of course do listen to the end to join us for another round of Gem Trivial Pursuit! Producer: Ross Hannon www.courtville.ie

It's the second part of our 6-part series called 'Firm Favourites: Jewellery Houses That Reign'. This episode is about what was arguably the greatest jewellery house that ever existed: Fabergé. There is so much to talk about with Fabergé. We get technical and discuss the legendary Russian firm's pioneering enamel work, Alyce professes her undying love for Carl, we of course talk about the incredible imperial eggs and how it all came to a very sad and abrupt end. Producer: Ross Hannon www.courtville.ie

It's the first installment of a new 6-part series called 'Firm Favourites: Jewellery Houses That Reign'. This episode is about the oh-so-beloved American jewellery giant known as Tiffany & Co. In this episode we discuss its 19th century origins, the quintessential styles that we see in antique Tiffany pieces and some of the innovative marketing techniques that embedded the name 'Tiffany' into hearts and minds the world over. We also swap stories about famous pieces and even more famous clientele! Producer: Ross Hannon www.courtville.ie

We hope you enjoy this surprise bonus episode, all about that most precious and most coveted of all metals...GOLD! Matty and Alyce go through how to identify and value gold, talk about how it came to be used in jewellery and discuss the folklore and mythology surrounding it while also revealing some of the most significant gold discoveries in history. Producer: Ross Hannon www.courtville.ie

This 10-part series is a journey in "Jewellery Through the Ages" beginning in the Georgian era and going all the way up to modern day. It's the final episode in the series and it's a little bit different because it's all about the jewellery of today. Matty and Alyce start off by going through some of their favourite (usually antique inspired!) engagement rings from recent years before staring into the Gem Pursuit crystal ball to predict the future of the jewellery industry... Producer: Ross Hannon www.courtville.ie

This 10-part series is a journey in "Jewellery Through the Ages" beginning in the Georgian era and going all the way up to modern day. Known in the trade as the repro era, the 1980s was when the antique jewellery trade really took off for the first time as items from the Victorian period were turning 100. Matty and Alyce also talk dodgy mullets, crazy make-up and how these trends impacted on the jewellery of the time. Jewellery Icons of the 1980s are Brooke Shields and Princess Diana. Producer: Ross Hannon www.courtville.ie

This 10-part series is a journey in "Jewellery Through the Ages" beginning in the Georgian era and going all the way up to modern day. This episode is all about the 1970s. A major paradigm shift in society sees a kind of individualism take over from the revolutionary collectivism of the 60s and we discuss how this new found move towards self-expression impacted the fashion trends and jewellery of the time. Jewellery Icons of the 1970s are Elizabeth Taylor and Maria Felix. Producer: Ross Hannon www.courtville.ie

This 10-part series is a journey in "Jewellery Through the Ages" beginning in the Georgian era and going all the way up to modern day. We have arrived in the swinging sixties, a decade of sweeping social change and political unrest, when an entire generation of young people all over the world broke free from society's norms and went their own way. We discover how this counter-cultural revolution impacted the jewellery from the time. Jewellery Icons of the 1960s are Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Sean Connery. Producer: Ross Hannon www.courtville.ie

This 10-part series is a journey in "Jewellery Through the Ages" beginning in the Georgian era and going all the way up to modern day. We've passed the half way point on our journey and we've arrived in the 1950s. This decade saw the birth of the baby boomers, the beginnings of the Cold War and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, not to mention some incredible jewellery, dominated by diamonds. Jewellery Icons of the 1950s are Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. Producer: Ross Hannon www.courtville.ie

This 10-part series is a journey in "Jewellery Through the Ages" beginning in the Georgian era and going all the way up to modern day. In this episode, Matthew and Alyce discuss the turbulent but hugely significant decade that was the 1940s. Dominated by the Second World War, this was a time of great sacrifice and suffering, and this had a major impact on the fashions and jewellery of the time. Jewellery Icons of the 1940s are Rita Hayworth and Hedy Lamarr. Producer: Ross Hannon www.courtville.ie

This 10-part series is a journey in "Jewellery Through the Ages" beginning in the Georgian era and going all the way up to modern day. In this episode, Matthew and Alyce discuss the extravagant and exuberant Art Deco period. Such a fun period of history to talk about, especially when it comes to jewellery. Jewellery Icons of the Art Deco period are Aimée de Heeren and Wallis Simpson. Producer: Ross Hannon www.courtville.ie

This 10-part series is a journey in "Jewellery Through the Ages" beginning in the Georgian era and going all the way up to modern day. In this episode, Matthew and Alyce discuss the Edwardian era, the last period named after its reigning monarch. This period of relative peace, prosperity and stability in Europe combined with some major advancements in technology to have a huge impact on the jewellery of the day and it also saw the emergence of platinum for the first time. Selected Jewellery Icons of the Edwardian period are the Cartier brothers and Alice Roosevelt Longworth. Producer: Ross Hannon www.courtville.ie

This 10-part series is a journey in "Jewellery Through the Ages" beginning in the Georgian era and going all the way up to modern day. In this episode, Matthew and Alyce chat about the three stages of the very long and very influential Victorian period. So much of the jewellery at this time had little hidden messages and romantic personal touches while natural motifs were extremely popular. Every week, Matty and Alyce pick their favourite jewellery icons from the period and this week's icons are Queen Victoria and Empress Eugénie de Montijo. Producer: Ross Hannon www.courtville.ie

This 10-part series is a journey in "Jewellery Through the Ages" beginning in the Georgian era and going all the way up to modern day. In this episode, Matthew and Alyce chat about the Georgian period, placing the jewellery and styles in their cultural and historical contexts while as always providing expert insights into the trade today such as why Georgian period jewellery is so incredibly rare nowadays and why cleaning it should really be left to the professionals. Every week, Matty and Alyce pick their favourite jewellery icons from the period and this week's icons are Georgina Cavendish and Marie Antoinette. Producer: Ross Hannon www.courtville.ie

Now for something completely different. The final episode in our gemstone series is all about those fascinating, glistening objects known as pearls. In this special five-part gemstone series, your host Matthew Weldon sits down with co-host and gemstone expert Alyce Ketcher every Monday to examine what exactly it is that attracts people to these mysterious gems. Each episode is packed with fascinating insights about identification, value, history & lore as well as famous gemstones throughout history. Matty and Alyce also reveal some of their very own trade secrets! Listen to the end for a blast of "Gem Trivial Pursuit" where Matty and Alyce pit their gemstone and pop culture knowledge against each other in a quick fire contest. www.courtville.ie Producer: Ross Hannon

It's episode four and this one is all about that rare and coveted red gemstone known as Ruby. In this special five-part gemstone series, your host Matthew Weldon sits down with co-host and gemstone expert Alyce Ketcher every Monday to examine what exactly it is that attracts people to these mysterious gems. Each episode is packed with fascinating insights about identification, value, history & lore as well as famous gemstones throughout history. Matty and Alyce also reveal some of their very own trade secrets! Listen to the end for a blast of "Gem Trivial Pursuit" where Matty and Alyce pit their gemstone and pop culture knowledge against each other in a quick fire contest. www.courtville.ie Producer: Ross Hannon

Emerald, that precious green stone! In this special five-part gemstone series, your host Matthew Weldon sits down with co-host and gemstone expert Alyce Ketcher every Monday to examine what exactly it is that attracts people to these mysterious gems. Each episode is packed with fascinating insights about identification, value, history & lore as well as famous gemstones throughout history. Matty and Alyce also reveal some of their very own trade secrets! Listen to the end for a blast of "Gem Trivial Pursuit" where Matty and Alyce pit their gemstone and pop culture knowledge against each other in a quick fire round. www.courtville.ie Producer: Ross Hannon

Sapphire, that mysterious, deep blue stone! In this special five-part gemstone series, your host Matthew Weldon sits down with co-host and gemstone expert Alyce Ketcher every Monday to examine what exactly it is that attracts people to these mysterious gems. Each episode is packed with fascinating insights about identification, value, history & lore as well as famous gemstones throughout history. Matty and Alyce also reveal some of their very own trade secrets! Listen to the end for a blast of "Gem Trivial Pursuit" where Matty and Alyce pit their gemstone and pop culture knowledge against each other in a quick fire round. www.courtville.ie Producer: Ross Hannon

First up, Diamonds: the hardest of them all! In this special five-part gemstone series, your host Matthew Weldon sits down with co-host and gemstone expert Alyce Ketcher every Monday to examine what exactly it is that attracts people to these mysterious gems. Each episode is packed with fascinating insights about identification, value, history & lore as well as famous gemstones throughout history. Matty and Alyce also reveal some of their very own trade secrets! Listen to the end for a blast of "Gem Trivial Pursuit" where Matty and Alyce pit their gemstone and pop culture knowledge against each other in a quick fire round. www.courtville.ie Producer: Ross Hannon

We dive into the importance of a sense of place in this world. We talk antique jewellery, small business, family business and Powerscourt Townhouse. Ross Hannon expertly produces and narrates this episode.