The Hancocks Journal: March
Hello and welcome to the March edition of The Hancocks Journal.
This month we’re looking forward to the arrival of Spring – the sun is shining here in London, the daffodils are blooming and we’ve got some wonderful fresh new jewels to share with you including our Georgian jewel of the month and a patriotic jewel by Boivin.
But firstly, we have the gorgeous ring in the photo above which we have set with a 4.74ct pear shaped Colombian emerald. The emeralds from this particular location have long been upheld as the very finest quality emeralds. They are widely regarded to be the most beautiful in colour with a purity of green unmatched by those from any other source. Whilst the earliest record of emerald mining was in Ancient Egypt, indeed Cleopatra loved these gems so much she is reputed to have had her own mine, the beauty of the stones from Colombia could not be rivalled. Since the 16th Century these stones have been widely traded throughout Europe and their superiority in terms of colour and size meant they quickly became the most highly prized emeralds in the world.
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 whilst our Instagram is updated daily.
1920s
Natural Pearl Necklace
This beautiful natural pearl three row necklace dates to circa 1925. The two hundred and thirty-nine natural saltwater creamy white round pearls have very subtle pinkish overtones and have been expertly strung in three graduated rows to sit perfectly flat against the skin when worn. The clasp is a thing of beauty in itself, made in the form of a pansy it is set with generously sized wonderfully bright and lively old cut diamonds This lovely necklace has been recently re-strung to ensure its safety and perfect fit and each row is fully knotted between every pearl. It is a really super necklace of very wearable size that flatters all skin tones.
VICTORIAN
Diamond Dragonfly Brooch
This pretty Victorian diamond dragonfly brooch was made around the 1870s and is a lovely example of its type. It has been realistically modelled in silver and gold to depict the dragonfly in flight with wings outspread, the delicate antennae and legs have been carefully crafted, and the old cut diamonds chosen for their life and sparkle. Insects were hugely popular motifs in Victorian jewellery with specific meaning and sentiment attached to all of them; the dragonfly was used to represent metamorphism and change. It would look perfect pinned to a shoulder or lapel where it would appear to have alighted briefly before flying off again.
Jewel of the Month
Georgian Gold and Amethyst Necklace c.1830s
Ahead of the second season of Bridgerton hitting our screens later this month, we have selected this wonderful Georgian necklace as our Jewel of the Month for March.
Our Director Guy notes that, “This is a quintessentially Georgian jewel with its beautifully handmade chain and decorative floral work in shades of pink, green, white and yellow gold. The amethyst would have likely been intended to be engraved with a motto or phrase and therefore be used as a seal as well as worn as a jewel. It is a wonderful piece and is in fantastic condition, especially when we consider it is about 200 years old.”
Maker Spotlight
BOIVIN
The French firm of Boivin was established in 1890 by Monsieur Jules René Boivin. However, the fact that the name is revered today and the jewellery so sought after, is largely due to a team of exceptional women, headed by his wife Jeanne.
When René died in 1917 aged just 53 it could easily have spelt the end of the Maison Boivin. That it didn’t, was thanks to the courage, determination and imagination of these women who, over the following decades, took his legacy and turned it into something extraordinary.