Rare signed pieces from Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels to make their preview along with an exceptional 15.86 carat sapphire ring
A selection of extremely rare signed jewellery pieces along with A 15.86 carat Ceylon sapphire ring are to be showcased by Hancocks at TEFAF Maastricht next month (14-24 March 2019).
Among the 100 items being exhibited by Hancocks, the Mayfair based family jewellers, are pieces from renowned jewellery houses including Cartier, Tiffany, Boucheron and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Leading the highlights this year is a real show stopper – a 15.86 carat sapphire ring by Hancocks. The sapphire is electric blue and is set between kite shape diamonds in an elegantly simple and finely crafted handmade platinum mount. The sapphire is accompanied by a Gubelin report confirming its Ceylon origin and a further addendum explaining the rarity of untreated gems particularly those of this large size.
One of the earliest Hancocks’ pieces to preview at TEFAF Maastricht is an extremely special Antique Gold, Banded Agate, Pearl and Diamond Festoon Necklace which was made by Hancocks, circa 1865, some 154 years ago. The snake-link chain studded with circular banded agates alternating with pearls, suspends a fringe of pearl drops, banded agate and old brilliant and rose-cut diamond flower heads and drop-shaped banded agate and rose-cut diamond scroll and star motif pendants, connected by swags of gold chain. It is accompanied by its original fitted box, branded Hancocks London.
Guy Burton of Hancocks London says: “We are particularly proud of to show this necklace at TEFAF this year given it is one of the original contemporary pieces Hancocks made in the 1860s. It is a real collectors’ piece given the exceptional craftsmanship that went in to making the necklace. It seems very fitting that it has returned to its first home – albeit briefly, and now as an antique piece – and will start its next chapter in its life with a new owner.“
Two important Van Cleef & Arpels pieces of jewellery will also be unveiled at the Fair. The first – A Diamond and Pearl Necklace – is designed as a line of round brilliant diamonds with baguette diamonds to the front half, wrapped around with a swagged graduated ribbon of round brilliant diamonds. Transformable in its design, the piece can be worn as a diamond necklace or with the addition of seven oval white pearls which can be suspended from the round brilliant diamonds in the centre of the necklace.
Guaranteed to sparkle, the necklace is made up of 391 round brilliant cut diamonds – estimated to weigh 36 carats – and 58 baguette cut diamonds weighing nine carats.
The second Van Cleef & Arpels’ piece to preview is An Amethyst and Turquoise Bird Brooch. Created in 1966, the multi-coloured gem set bird brooch is designed as a Kingfisher in flight. It is finely modelled in 18 carat yellow gold and platinum and measures three inches wise and 2.5 inches tall. The Kingfisher’s body set with a large emerald-cut amethyst (weighing approximately 25 carats), the outstretched wings with marquise shaped faceted sapphires and turquoise cabochons, its tail set with additional diamonds. The Kingfisher’s head is pavé set with round brilliant cut diamonds and sapphires, its eye set with a marquise ruby and its long narrow beak is polished gold. This brooch is one of its kind and was a bespoke order (indicated by the inscription number and the letters ‘CS’ engraved after it which stands for ‘command speciales’).
Another jewel which is expected to catch the eyes of visitors to the Fair is a wonderful Art Nouveau Scarab Pendant by René Lalique. Dated circa 1900, the scarab – formed from a pale blue carved sapphire cabochon, weighing approximately 22 carats – is delicately held in place by ten long curved claws set with rose-cut diamonds within a triangular open frame decorated with light blue champlevé enamel and natural pearls.
Guy Burton adds: “Both the motif and overall shape of this piece were used repeatedly by Lalique from the late 1890s onwards. The scarab motif features in a variety of materials from gemstones to glass and also enamel in pieces including rings, pendants, necklaces and hat pins.”
Examples of Lalique scarab jewellery can be seen in both the Schmuckmuseum in Pforzheim and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris as well as the Gulbenkian collection in Lisbon.
Hancocks London can be found at http://www.hancocks-london.com; tel: +44 (0)20 7493 8904. Follow Hancocks on Instagram @Hancocks_London.
Hancocks London will be at TEFAF Maastricht from 14-24 March 2019, stand number 243.
