8.71ct Old European Cut Georgian Revival Diamond Necklace

Director’s Notes

Hancocks Georgian Revival jewels are directly inspired by a setting style that remains as popular today as it was when it first emerged in the late 18th century. This distinctive style, known for its distinctive cut-down collet settings, was widely used during the Georgian era, including in the creation of Crown Jewels from that period. Historically, the metal encircling the diamonds in these settings served both aesthetic and practical purposes, helping to conceal the irregularities of the antique diamonds. At the time, these settings were crafted in silver and backed with gold for strength and durability and often featuring closed backs to reflect light. At Hancocks, we have been crafting jewellery for 175 years, upholding the finest traditions of craftsmanship while embracing modern advancements. Today, rather than silver, we use platinum—a stronger and more durable white metal. To replicate the patina seen in antique jewellery, which historically resulted from the natural oxidation of silver, we apply a black rhodium finish to our platinum settings, achieving the same striking contrast. Our contemporary pieces also feature open backs, allowing light to pass through and enhancing the brilliance of the meticulously curated old-cut diamonds we select—we only choose stones that require no concealment. The result is a timeless and enduring style, a perfect blend of heritage and contemporary craftsmanship.