Jewel of The Month - April 2026

A rare mid-century vintage diamond ‘Draperie’ necklace by the French jeweller Charles Holl is Hancocks London Jewel of the Month for April.

Dated circa 1950s, the necklace reflects Holl’s remarkable technical command and influence within Place Vendôme. Having founded his workshop in 1917, he became a trusted maker for houses such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, executing some of their most intricate mounts and gemstone settings.

Crafted in 18ct yellow gold and platinum, the design is defined by its extraordinary fluidity. A sequence of articulated panels, alternating between softly pleated forms and sculptural spherical motifs, creates a supple, fabric-like movement around the neck. At its centre, a knot motif gathers into a crescent of round brilliant-cut diamonds, claw-set in platinum and framed by rope-twist gold detailing, before falling into an articulated cascade of chain fringes.

The piece captures a moment when jewellery took inspiration from couture, translating the flowing textures of fabrics like silk and lamé into precious materials.

Amy Burton, Creative Director of Hancocks London, comments: “There is a distinct softness to this design that feels almost textile in nature. Holl demonstrates an exceptional ability to challenge the very nature of gold, transforming a material known for its solidity into something remarkably fluid and fabric-like. The result is a jewel of femininity, each articulated link moving with the body like silk, creating a wearable masterpiece that carries all the refinement and artistry of couture.”