The Hancocks Journal: December
Hello and welcome to our December edition of The Hancocks Journal.
This month we’re celebrating the arrival of winter and the upcoming festivities of Christmas. From icy sparkling diamonds to vibrant colourful gems, we hope these new arrivals sprinkle a little jewelled joy into your inbox today and maybe provide some inspiration for gifts to wrap and unwrap on Christmas morning.
From all of us here at Hancocks, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
RETRO
Gold and Emerald Bird Brooch
This wonderfully stylish French gold and gem-set bird of paradise brooch dates from the 1950s when many of the big French jewellery houses were creating wonderful bejewelled menageries. Birds in particular seemed to inspire designers during this period and brooches of all different sizes and styles were created, set with a rainbow of different coloured gems. They remain very collectible today as there is so much variety within the genre, each bird having its own particular personality and unique characteristics.
HANCOCKS
Asscher Cut Diamond Ring
This beautiful vintage Asscher cut diamond weighs 6.78ct and we were entranced by its strong geometric shape and ‘hall of mirrors’ quality. The Asscher cut was designed by Joseph Asscher in 1902 and the step-like facets have a wonderfully elegant and clean appearance with a more subtle sparkle than cuts such as the round brilliant. It became increasingly popular during the early 20th Century, particularly in the Art Deco period when the straight edges and angles of the cut suited the aesthetic perfectly.
Jewel of the Month
A Magnificent 7.79ct Golconda D Internally Flawless Diamond Ring
Having acquired this rare and special diamond we knew we wanted to set it as a ring and in such a way as to really honour the exceptional beauty of the stone. In consultation with his team of master craftsman, our Director Guy decided on these elegant split shoulders set with single cut diamonds rather than brilliants to add a more gentle sparkle, enhancing the band in a way that felt in keeping with the sophisticated charm of the main stone.
Maker Spotlight
TIFFANY & CO.
Diamond and Gold Rope Twist Heart Earrings c.1990s Tiffany & Co.
In 1837 an ambitious young man called Charles Tiffany borrowed $1000 from his father and set up shop with his friend John B. Young selling “stationary and fancy goods”. Today his name is synonymous with American style and luxury and Tiffany jewellery is worn by the world’s most elegant women.
From Jackie Kennedy’s iconic Schlumberger bangles to the Tiffany yellow diamond worn by Audrey Hepburn to promote the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s, there are countless jewels we recognise instantly as having the Tiffany touch. Click the link below for the story of how a young 25 year old with little more than ambition created one of the world’s best known luxury brands.