The Hancocks Journal: February
Hello and welcome to February’s edition of The Hancocks Journal.
This month we’re celebrating love with our beautiful Jewel of the Month, our stunning new eternity ring and a look at how one man’s love of his adopted city lead him to translate his passion into jewels for others to wear and enjoy.
We also have our newly arrived Van Cleef & Arpels 1960s gold and diamond bracelet which perfectly exemplifies why this world famous 116 year old Maison continues to be one of the most sought after and collectible of names.
We hope you enjoy this selection of recent creations and acquisitions. As ever, our full collection is available to view in our Burlington Arcade boutique and on our website whilst our Instagram page is frequently updated with new arrivals.
HANCOCKS
French Cut Diamond Eternity
Our gorgeous new eternity ring is set with French-cut diamonds which just happen to be one of our favourite cuts. The origins of the French cut can be traced back to the 15th Century however it wasn’t until much later, during the 17th Century that it really became fashionable. Having found favour with European Royalty, the style became particularly popular in France and it is likely that this is where the name originated. The design of the French cut had developed by adding facets to old table cut diamonds thereby altering them into much more lively stones.
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
Gold and Diamond Leaf Bracelet
This beautiful vintage gold and diamond bracelet is by Van Cleef & Arpels circa 1962. It is formed of three off-set rows of tapered leaf motifs, each set with three round brilliant cut diamonds in platinum within a frame of twisted gold estimated to weigh around 16cts in total. The undulating shape of the leaves gives a real feeling of movement to the bracelet and creates a rippled edge which only enhances this. This is a real statement jewel, both sophisticated and elegant and a perfect example of why vintage Van Cleef jewellery is so sought after and appreciated.
Jewel of the Month
Pavé Diamond Heart Pendant c.1915 by Tiffany & Co.
For our February Jewel of the Month it had to be this beautiful antique Tiffany heart pendant made circa 1915.
Guy Burton, Director, Hancocks London, comments: “By the early 20th century Tiffany was one of the premier jewellers not in only in America but also the world and this is a truly beautiful example of their work.”
Maker Spotlight
NARDI
“My love for this city of water and light is so intense that I hope my jewels are able to bring Venice to the world.” This was Giulio Nardi’s greatest wish for his jewellery, pieces that were inspired by and suffused with the elegance, history and sheer beauty of his beloved Venice.
Born in Florence, he moved to Venice in the early 1920s where he opened his eponymous jewellery boutique at number 69, Piazza San Marco, familiar to us as St Mark’s Square. From the very beginning he focused on fine quality craftsmanship and all the pieces were made in his workshop behind the Piazza.