Gem Pursuit: An Antique Jewellery Podcast

Amber

Amber can preserve a moment for millions of years, hold a static charge, float in salt water and carry the remains of ancient insects. Yet despite its place in jewellery

Lapis Lazuli

For more than 6,000 years, lapis lazuli has connected Afghanistan, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Renaissance painting and the world of antique jewellery. In this episode Matthew a

The Lalique Museum Heist

An 11 minute raid. Six smashed display cases. Twenty-seven works gone, including one of Rene Lalique's most symbolic jewels: the Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings pendant.

Garrard & Co

If you trace Princess Diana's sapphire ring, Queen Mary's crown and the Koh-i-Noor back far enough, one name keeps appearing: Garrard. In this episode of Gem Pursuit, Ma

House of Bolin

Forget Faberge for a moment. In this episode of Gem Pursuit, Matthew Weldon and Fenia Sigkoudi tell the story of Bolin, the Russian jewellery house that supplied the Impe

Boucheron

He was born a draper's son, apprenticed at 14, and told that he would never run his own jewellery business. In this episode of Gem Pursuit, Matthew Weldon and Fenia Sigko

Jean-Baptiste Tavernier: Part Two

Matthew and Fenia continue the story of Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, following his sixth voyage to the Mughal court, his encounter with the Peacock Throne, the rough stone la

Jean-Baptiste Tavernier: Part One

Before the Hope Diamond had a name or a curse, it passed through the hands of one remarkable Frenchman. This episode tells the story of Jean Baptiste Tavernier, a 17th-ce

Careers in Antique Jewellery: How the Trade Works

Have you ever picked up a piece of antique jewelry and wondered how it got there? Behind every brooch, ring, or sapphire in a boutique window is a network of specialists:

How to Get Into the Antique Jewellery Trade | Ask Me Anything

In this special Ask Me Anything episode of Gem Pursuit, Matthew Weldon answers your jewellery and gemstone questions from how antique jewellery can be dated without hallm

The Orlov Diamond Mystery: Theft, Power & Lost History

Was the legendary Orlov Diamond once the eye of a Hindu idol before becoming part of the Russian Crown Jewels? In this episode of Gem Pursuit, Matthew Weldon and Fenis Si

The Dresden Green: The Greatest Natural Green Diamond Ever Found

The Dresden Green Diamond is one of the rarest diamonds in the world and one of the most mysterious. Its vivid green colour looks almost unnatural… but it’s entirely real

A New Kind of Dealer: Antique Jewellery in a Social Media World

For generations, the antique jewellery trade has been built on discretion, reputation and knowledge passed quietly from one dealer to another. But that world is changing

The Florentine Diamond: The Jewel That Vanished for a Century

In this episode of Gem Pursuit, we tell the extraordinary story of one of history’s greatest lost diamonds - the legendary Florentine. A pale yellow diamond of almost 14

Diamonds Part II: From Rough Crystal to Brilliant Cut

In the second part of our diamond series, we turn from science to history. After exploring how diamonds form and how they are cut in Part I, this episode follows the ext

Diamonds: Nature vs Craft, Art vs Science

Diamonds form over billions of years, deep within the Earth's mantle under unimaginable pressure. But what makes them truly extraordinary isn’t only what nature creates -

The Heart Motif in Jewellery

What is the most recognisable symbol in jewellery history? The heart. In this Valentine’s special episode of Gem Pursuit, Matthew Weldon and Fenia Sigkoudi explore the e

Andy Warhol's Secret Stash

Andy Warhol is one of the most recognisable artists of the 20th century, but after his death in 1987, it was what he owned that truly shocked the art world. Hidden inside

Antique Jewellery in the Age of TikTok & AI

As the year turns, Matthew takes stock. In this New Year episode, he reflects on 2025 through the lens of a year spent travelling, learning, and paying close attention —

Xmas 2025 Ask us Anything Special

In this festive special episode of Gem Pursuit, Matthew and Fenia answer your brilliant listener questions in a cosy, end-of-year Ask Us Anything special. From spotting