April Jewel of the Month

For April’s Jewel of the Month Hancocks London could not decide which of these best-in-class diamond rings to pick so we have decided to share both.

While different in shape, the one thing that these diamonds share is their distinguished classification: Type IIa.

Type IIa diamonds are exceptionally rare and make up less than two per cent of all gem quality diamonds globally and always tend to catch the eye of discerning collectors.

Guy Burton, Managing Director, Hancocks London, explains: “Type IIa is the classification used to denote the very purest diamonds. Not only can these stones be perfectly colourless, but they also possess an exceptional level of transparency which enhances their beauty and allows the brilliance and fire of the diamond to be appreciated to the fullest.”

The now exhausted ancient diamond mines of Golconda, India, produced these pure Type IIa diamonds, with the name ‘Golconda’ becoming synonymous with some of history’s most magnificent and significant diamonds.

Renowned examples of Type IIa diamonds include the Koh-I-Noor and the Cullinan, which are part of the Crown Jewels, as well as the Krupp diamond which Richard Burton bought for Elizabeth Taylor, later renaming it the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond.

Hancocks London is showcasing two impressive Type IIa specimens. The first, a 2.12ct D IF Golconda Old Cut Moval Diamond and Platinum ring is set in platinum to a scalloped gallery, set between pear shape diamond shoulders. The second is a 1.04 ct D IF Emerald Cut Diamond which has been positioned horizontally and bezel set within a surround of a single piece of black onyx, framed in platinum.

Guy Burton explains: “These diamonds are nothing short of phenomenal: very pure in colour and possess a unique limpid purity that we associate with the revered Golconda legacy. Stones from this region are renowned as having exceptional transparency, allowing light to pass through the diamond to give them a highly desirable watery appearance.”