The Hancocks Journal: April
Hello and welcome to the April edition of The Hancocks Journal.
This month we’re looking forward to the promise of a warm and sunny Easter bank holiday weekend and an excuse to celebrate, dress up and deck ourselves out in our favourite jewels.
Elizabeth Taylor once remarked ” You can’t cry on a diamond’s shoulder, and diamonds won’t keep you warm at night, but they’re sure fun when the sun shines.” She was right of course, the sun makes everything (but especially diamonds) sparkle more and with that in mind we’re showcasing diamond jewels old and new today alongside a magnificent hot pink gem and a retro bracelet that hides a secret.
We wish everyone a very Happy Easter and hope you enjoy this selection of recent acquisitions and Hancocks jewels. As ever, our full collection is available to view in our Burlington Arcade boutique and on our website and our Instagram page is updated daily, all links are at the end of this newsletter.
VICTORIAN
Old Cut Diamond Bangle
This classically late-Victorian style bangle boasts around nine and a half carats of lovely old cut diamonds which are bright and lively and have been well matched. They are set open backed and with pierced sides to allow maximum light into them and they are wonderfully sparkly as a result. Dating from the 1890s, the bangle is in the carved half-hoop style popular of the period and is made in 18ct yellow gold with a carved gallery and scroll detailing. The seven graduated old European brilliant cut diamonds have been interspersed with pairs of smaller diamonds and further embellished with rose cut diamond points, all with maximum character from having been hand cut.
HANCOCKS
Pink Sapphire Ring
This stunning oval, hot pink sapphire is a really gemmy gem and we just couldn’t resist it when we saw it. Weighing 4.49cts, it is an intensely saturated, wonderfully vibrant shade of pink and has been certified unheated and of Burmese origin. We have set it in an 18ct yellow gold claw setting and surrounded it with a halo of ten beautifully matched high colour and clarity old European brilliant cut diamonds weighing 3.52cts in total. Whilst the band is simple, we added a flourish with lovely fluted fan-shaped shoulders. A pink sapphire of this size, hue and saturation, certified unheated, is very rare and we’re excited to be able to offer this for sale.
Jewel of the Month
Retro Gold Tank Bracelet with Concealed Watch by Patek Philippe
Made in 1942 by Patek Philippe, arguably the most prestigious watchmaker in the world, this stylish 18ct gold tank bracelet conceals an elegant watch face beneath its central ribbed panel.
Guy Burton, Director, Hancocks London, comments: “This piece ticks all the boxes given its maker, its stylish design, its great condition considering it was made 80 years ago, and that its made of 18ct gold. It’s very much a wearable asset which someone can enjoy wearing now while still feeling confident it will retain its inherent value.”
Maker Spotlight
MAUBOUSSIN
The story of Mauboussin traces its origins back to 1827 and the setting up of a jewellery workshop in the centre of Paris by a Mr Rocher. It wasn’t until 1876 that a Mauboussin joined the firm and not until 1898 that he got his name above the door.
By the 1920s the business had grown so successful that new premises were needed to house all the creatives and craftsmen in one light filled space above a smart new showroom. Paris in the 1920’s was a melting pot of cultural and creative influences which Mauboussin reflected in their jewellery both in terms of style and materials used. Their wonderful Art Deco pieces, including colourful Tutti Frutti brooches and geometric monochrome sautoirs, were among some of the best that Parisian haute joaillerie had to offer.
Click below to read more of their story.