History Gems

Dr Nicola Tallis explores one of the world's most revered jewellers - Atelier Torbjörn Tillander - with the youngest of the Tillander family - Jenny.

Dr Nicola Tallis is joined by author and historian Valerie Schutte to explore the history of one of the world's most famous pearls - La Peregrina.

Dr Nicola Tallis is joined by writer and one of Britain’s leading authority on jewellery and gemstones, Carol Woolton, to discuss the jewellery in the Netflix series Bridgerton.

In the latest episode of History Gems Dr Nicola Tallis delves into the fascinating story of Marie Antoinette with royal historian and author Dr Carolyn Harris.

Dr Nicola Tallis delves into the history of pearls with Sue Prichard, Senior Curator of Arts at the National Maritime Museum, in Greenwich.

Historian and author Dr Nicola Tallis explores the internationally renowned House of Kutchinsky with journalist Serena Kutchinsky.

Historian and author Dr Nicola Tallis explores the story of Queen Christina of Sweden with Amy Saunders.

Historian and author Dr Nicola Tallis explores the topic of Nazi gold with Callum McKelvie, the Features Editor at All About History Magazine.

Historian and author Dr Nicola Tallis explores the incredible story of one of the world's most famous authors, Jane Austen.

Dr Nicola Tallis is joined by fellow historian and author Helen Carr to explore the story of English prince, military leader, statesman - and the third of the five sons of King Edward III - John of Gaunt

Historian and author Dr Nicola Tallis uncovers the secrets of the Anglo-Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo with Dr Sue Brunning, the curator of the European Early Medieval and Sutton Hoo collections at the British Museum.

In the final episode of the first series of History Gems, Nicola is joined by historian, author and royal commentator Professor Kate Williams to delve into the story of Mary Queen of Scots - and of course, her love of jewels. Nicola and Kate explore why Mary was sent to France, who was fighting over her pearls and why mystery remains over the location of a jar containing her heart. To see images of the jewels and other items discussed in this episode, check out @historygemspod on both Twitter and Instagram.

In this episode of History Gems, Nicola is joined by historian and author Elizabeth Norton to explore the story of Queen Arnegunde and the mystery of her mummified lung. The remains of Arnegunde were found in 1959 by the archaeologist Michel Fleury. Along with the skeleton and preserved lung were a strand of hair, jewelry, and several fragments of textiles and leather. A gold signet ring, with the inscription "Arnegundis" showed that the remains belonged to the Merovingian queen. To see images of the jewels and other items discussed in this episode, check out @historygemspod on both Twitter and Instagram.

In this episode of History Gems, Nicola is joined by Stuart Orme, the curator of the Cromwell Museum, in Huntingdon, to discuss the life of Elizabeth Cromwell, wife of the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell - and of course, her jewels. They also explore a very unusual recipe book with an even more unusual essay inside which, according to Stuart is akin to "a cookery book by Michelle Obama containing an essay by Donald Trump criticising Barack Obama"! Intrigued? You should be. Listen to find out more! To see images of the jewels and other items discussed in this episode, check out @historygemspod on both Twitter and Instagram.

In this episode of History Gems, Dr Nicola Tallis ventures back to ancient Egypt to uncover the tomb of Tutankhamun in the company of Egyptologist and author Dr Chris Naunton. Tutankhamun was barely known to the modern world until 1922, when British archaeologist Howard Carter chiseled through a doorway and entered the boy pharaoh’s tomb, which had remained sealed for more than 3,200 years. Join Nicola and Chris as they explore what he found in the tomb - and find out why Tutankhamun was buried with clean underwear and a packed lunch! To see images of the jewels and other items discussed in this episode, check out @historygemspod on both Twitter and Instagram.

In the latest episode of History Gems, Dr Nicola Tallis is joined by writer, historian and TV producer Rebecca Rideal to explore the story of Colonel Thomas Blood and his audacious attempt to steal the Crown Jewels in 1671. Rebecca tells Nicola how Blood befriended the newly appointed Master of the Jewel House, 77-year-old Talbot Edwards, to get close to the jewels, and how he even had to flatten St. Edward's Crown to hide it beneath his clerical coat. Did he get away with it?? You’ll have to tune in to find out! For images of the jewels discussed in this episode, follow the podcast at @historygemspod on Twitter and Instagram.

In the latest episode of History Gems, Dr Nicola Tallis is joined by Dr Ellie Woodacre, senior lecturer in early modern history at the University of Winchester and a specialist in queenship and royal studies, to discuss the Queen of England that you've probably never heard of - Joan of Navarre. Born into Navarrese nobility, Joan became Queen of England after marrying Henry IV of England in 1403. But it wasn't all plain sailing as you'll find out if you listen! And as ever, there are gems and jewels to discuss along the way. For images of the jewels discussed in this episode + a special bonus clip, follow the podcast at @historygemspod on Twitter and Instagram.

In the latest episode of History Gems, Dr Nicola Tallis is joined by historian, author and playwright Gareth Russell to explore the history of the Romanovs and the stories behind some of the most famous pieces of jewellery of all time - the Fabergé Eggs. Nicola and Gareth go back to the 1885 when Emperor Alexander III, through the intermediary of his uncle, Grand Duke Vladimir, commissioned an Easter egg from Fabergé as an Easter present for his wife, Empress Maria Feodorovna. Initially planned by Fabergé to contain a diamond ring, the actual finished version, following specific instructions of the Emperor, included a ruby pendant of great value. Only 57 of the eggs remain, and according to Gareth only one looks like an actual egg. Which one is he talking about? You’ll have the listen to find out! For images of the jewels discussed in this episode, follow the podcast at @historygemspod on Twitter and Instagram.

In the first episode of 2021, Dr Nicola Tallis is joined by historian and author Susan Ronald to explore the story of one of history's most fascinating and most beautiful jewels - the Sancy Diamond. Nicola and Susan trace the 55 carat diamond around Europe, India and even to the USA as they discover its incredible past, and why it's definitely NOT to be called the Sancy Blood Diamond! For images of the jewels discussed in this episode, follow the podcast at @historygemspod on Twitter and Instagram.

In this very special, festive episode of History Gems, Dr Nicola Tallis is joined by writer, biographer and royal historian Christopher Warwick to explore the Queen’s annual Christmas address, and the jewellery that the monarch chooses to wear for her broadcast. In the final episode of 2020, Nicola and Christopher also delve deep into the history of the Queen’s speech, and discover the stories behind some of her most distinctive brooches. For images of the jewels discussed in this episode, follow the podcast at @historygemspod on Twitter and Instagram.

In this episode of History Gems, Dr Nicola Tallis is joined by leading military historian and author Dr Michael Jones to explore the story of the Black Prince and his famous ruby. But was it really a ruby!? Listen to find out. Nicola and Michael also delve into the history of the ruby, including what happened to it during World War Two. For images of the Black Prince’s ruby, follow the podcast at @historygemspod on Twitter and Instagram.

In this episode of History Gems, Dr Nicola Tallis is joined by historian, lecturer, battlefield guide and dedicated Southampton supporter Julian Humphrys, to discuss Richard III, his ascent to the throne, and a metal badge which gave vital clues to the true location of the Battle of Bosworth. Nicola and Julian also take a trip around the castles of the north, dig into Bosworth, and explore the use of the wild boar as an image in the 15th century. For pictures of the the items discussed in this podcast, or to join the conversation on social media, visit @historygemspod on Instagram or Twitter.

In the first episode of History Gems, Dr Nicola Tallis is joined by author, historian and joint Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces, Dr Tracy Borman, to discuss Elizabeth I, one of her favourites who betrayed her, and a jewel that connects the two - the Essex Ring. Nicola and Tracy also delve deep into the fascinating story of the Chequers Ring and explore the worst rebellion in history (spoiler: it involved a lunch break mid-rebellion). If you want to see pictures of the jewels discussed in this podcast and or join the conversation on social media , visit @historygemspod on Instagram or Twitter.

An introduction to History Gems, the new podcast from author and historian Dr Nicola Tallis, which delves into the past to unravel the stories behind some of history's most famous and intriguing jewels.