The Hancocks Journal: January
Hello and Happy New Year! Welcome to our first edition of The Hancocks Journal for 2022.
This month we’re welcoming in the New Year and banishing any thoughts of the January blues with a host of beautiful new jewels.
We have a spectacular Pigeon’s Blood ruby, a wonderful antique love token by Tiffany and heading up the newsletter is the magnificent necklace above by Buccellati. Not only is this a show stopper of a jewel it is also exquisitely crafted and feels as much like fabric as it is possible for metal to feel.
We hope you enjoy this selection of recent acquisitions. 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.
TIFFANY & CO
Old Cut Diamond Heart Pendant
This gorgeous antique diamond heart pendant was made by Tiffany & Co. circa 1915. It has a gently rounded shape and domed profile and is fully pavé set with bright and lively old European brilliant cut diamonds. The heart motif has been used in jewellery since the Middle Ages, gaining popularity during the era of courtly love. It is perhaps the most popular and enduring of symbols and each era has found new ways to depict it and embellish it. This Edwardian heart is as classically elegant as one would expect from quality jewellery of this period and as finely made as the Tiffany signature would suggest, it is a truly beautiful example of their work.
OSCAR HEYMAN
Pigeon’s Blood Ruby Ring
This stunning Pigeon’s Blood Burma ruby and diamond ring is by the American jewellers Oscar Heyman Bros. The ruby weighs 5.01cts and is certified as being of the truest red, earning itself the prized ‘Pigeon’s Blood’ colour grade. This term has historically been used to describe only the most beautiful and coveted rubies which displayed a vivid red colour with intense saturation and a soft red fluorescence in daylight, allegedly named due to their similarity to the colour of a pigeon’s blood. This ruby does indeed have the most wonderful colour and has been set simply with minimal metal and a pair of diamond half-moons, just to add a touch of ice to that fire.
Jewel of the Month
Cheveux D’Ange Necklace 1954 by Van Cleef & Arpels
Made in 1954 by Van Cleef & Arpels in Paris, this wonderful ‘Cheveux D’Ange’ necklace was inspired by the world of high fashion. Guy Burton, Director, Hancocks London, comments: “Van Cleef & Arpels’ iconic ‘Thread’ inspired jewels of the 1950s sought to explore the relationship between haute joaillerie and haute couture. These designs include the ‘Cheveux D’Ange’ or ‘Angel Hair’ jewels. Fabric and textiles were a continuous source of inspiration for Van Cleef and this fascination filtered through into their designs in more or less literal ways.”
Maker Spotlight
HERMÈS
The world famous French luxury goods company Hermès was established in Paris in 1837 as a harness making workshop by Thierry Hermès whose goal was to create the finest harnesses and bridals for the carriage trade.
Over time they introduced leather work and clothing and in 1938, 101 years after the company was founded, they launched their first item of jewellery – the now iconic ‘Chaîne d’ancre’ bracelet. Since then their bold jewels, which are frequently equestrian inspired, have helped build this brand into one of the most recognisable and successful French Maisons. Click below to read more of their story.