20 October 2021: Hancocks London is unveiling its second new diamond collection this year.

Playfully called Slinky Shoulders, the collection consists of six beautiful rings, designed by the jeweller and handcrafted in Britain, with each ring featuring a diamond with a side of colour.

The Slinky Shoulders collection features a variety of shapes and sizes of old-cut diamonds, all set with coloured gemstone shoulders, adding a contemporary pop of colour to an otherwise classic design.

Left to Right: 2.34ct Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring with Emerald Shoulders £29,950, 1.75ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring with Sapphire Shoulders £25,000. 4.22ct Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring with Aquamarine Shoulders £125,000. 1.57ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring with Emerald Shoulders £22,500. 3.20ct Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring with Sapphire Shoulders £55,000.

Guy Burton, Director, Hancocks London, says:

“This collection evolved from discussions we had about different ways to complement and enhance our beautiful old cut diamond solitaire rings. We wanted something different to the diamond embellishments or hand engraved details we have used before and after playing with different designs which enhanced the central diamond, we came up with these slinky, colourful shoulders.”

The collection comprises a series of unique old-cut diamond rings with elegant tapering shoulders set with specially cut aquamarines, sapphires or emeralds.

Guy Burton adds:

“Cutting stones to fit exactly into a design like this is known as calibre cut. Each one of these coloured gems has been designed and cut by hand so that they precisely fit into the shoulders of the band of each ring. The attention to detail this affords is reflected in the beauty of these jewels.”

“Our beautiful antique diamonds don’t necessarily need any embellishment but sometimes it’s good to add a splash of colour, subtle or otherwise. We hope these rings will appeal to people who like their classics with a little contemporary twist.”

The Slinky Shoulders collection launches in Hancocks London’s Burlington Arcade shop and will also be available online. Featuring sapphire, aquamarine and emerald, more colours will be added later this year and into 2022.

Note: All pictures credit Hancocks London

Hancocks London is delighted to present a pair of Van Cleef & Arpels Art Deco cufflinks as its Jewel of the Month for October. Dated circa 1935, each of the four matching heads has a domed profile and is set with a central row of deep juicy red step-cut Burmese rubies. Either side of these are four elongated baguette cut diamonds set with spaces between them which allows light to pass through and keeps them looking airy.

Super stylish and oozing elegance, these cufflinks are typically Art Deco in design and have an understated feel despite their gem-rich composition. The curved profile creates depth and dimension and the diamonds have the quiet subtle sparkle associated with this style of cut.

The cufflinks were created around the same time as Van Cleef & Arpels registered their patent for the “Serti Mystérieux” or mystery setting with which they have become synonymous. This technique of setting small stones close together with no visible sign of metal created the illusion of the gems being held invisibly in place. An echo of that is seen in these cufflinks with the minimum of metal used only on the outer edges to ensure the focus is absolutely on the gems and not the setting.

Guy Burton, Director, Hancocks London, comments:

“Rubies mined in Burma have long been held as the absolute ideal in terms of colour for a ruby, they are an exceptionally beautiful rich deep red with neither too much brown nor pink in it, as you can see here. These beautiful gems are believed by many to symbolise passion, love, vitality and vigour and being the colour of blood, have been worn for centuries as a stone of protection. Useful when your job involves the level of danger that Bond’s does!

“These fabulous cufflinks are the perfect accessory for any stylish gentleman or would-be Bond, sure to elevate any formal attire with a touch of old world glamour and subtle sophistication James would surely approve of. Once put on, the next stop would be a bar serving the best vodka martinis in town…”

Price: £28,500

Hancocks London offers selection of festive gifts for loved ones near and far

Even though this Christmas does not resemble seasons past, there are still memories to be made with loved ones near and far.

Hancocks London, based in Mayfair’s Burlington Arcade, is renowned for its curated selection of jewels and objets d’art and has a discerning customer following from all around the globe.

Its Hot Picks for Christmas 2020 list features a selection of pieces to suit different members of the family as well as loved ones, carefully chosen with the following criteria: it would be a gift the recipient could keep forever and that it would be a joy to unwrap on the big day. Read on to discover what pieces make this year’s list:

2. 18ct Gold Signet Ring

Signet rings are enjoying a major resurgence of interest among young people and especially women. Whether designed as an essential piece of family heritage, or for millennials who want to reflect the vogue for heritage jewellery, they make the perfect gift. Hancocks London handmade signet rings are all meticulously crafted in the UK and the whole process – from brief to final delivery of the piece – can be arranged online (order by end of November for festive delivery). Alternatively, the team will happily prepare a bespoke voucher to present to a loved one. Visit Hancocks dedicated signet ring website at: https://www.hancockssignetrings.com

4. Retro Gold Bangle

Retro jewels for the fashionistas in the family are guaranteed to be a hit given they are effortlessly chic. This bold and stylish two-tone gold retro bracelet dates from the 1940s and has an unmistakeable style. It would definitely be the gift to give to someone who understands design and yearns for something which is also elegant. Plus, it’s a great investment given retro pieces continue to go up in price.

6. Ruby and Diamond Earrings

These stylish pair of ruby and diamond earrings by Bulgari capture the glamour of post-war life in the 1950s. Their circular ‘door knocker’ design was created in a glittering era when all the famous Hollywood stars descended on Rome to make films given the production costs were advantageous. Simple and elegant, they would make a glamorous and extremely sparkly addition to a lucky person’s jewellery collection.

8. Cufflinks…..Cartier style

Cufflinks make a great accessory for both men and women who have a penchant for attention to detail. These Art Deco gold and enamel cufflinks by Cartier are dated circa 1930s. They feature a geometric motif in red enamel depicting the Chinese symbol of the dragon representing prosperity and strength and would make the most thoughtful of presents for Christmas 2020.

Brides-to-be look to stars from the silver screen for engagement ring inspiration, rejecting Instagram trends according to leading jeweller

Vintage diamond engagement rings worn by glamorous Hollywood sirens are making a comeback for today’s brides-to-be according to one of the capital’s top jewellers.

Hancocks London, based in Mayfair’s Burlington Arcade, is reporting an unprecedented interest in newly engaged couples seeking rings that are not only timeless classics but give a nod to the glamorous hey days of old Hollywood.

The jewellers has identified the most desired engagement rings worn by Hollywood sirens and illustrated how each of their designs are inspiring brides-to-be now as much as they did historically.

Guy Burton, Director, Hancocks London, said:

“Our bespoke engagement ring service is world renowned given our reputation for making exceptional, one-off pieces. We regularly meet newly engaged couples either face to face or remotely, especially during lockdown, and help them design the ring of their dreams.

“The one trend we have started to notice over the last few months is that brides today are increasingly looking to legendary Hollywood stars for style inspiration. They are rejecting the Instagram influencers and popular celebrities who align themselves with jewellery brand and are now more likely to cite the original and authentic Hollywood trendsetters such as Mia Farrow, Jayne Mansfield, Audrey Hepburn and Lauren Bacall when designing their dream ring.

“The stars of the silver screen, including Hepburn, always looked super sleek thanks, in part, to the sumptuous jewels they wore. Decades on, their style continues to captivate, with women around the world still being influenced by old Hollywood glamour.”

Hancocks London has charted nine of its clients’ all-time Hollywood favourites including:

1. Elizabeth Taylor

Actress Elizabeth Taylor was known for her taste in luxurious gems, and her third husband, the theatre and film producer Mike Todd, went big! Todd proposed with a 29.4 carat emerald cut diamond ring, a stone so large that Taylor referred to it as her “ice skating rink”.

Hancocks London:

Guy Burton says:

“Elizabeth Taylor’s passion for jewels is as well documented as her romances.

“We are noticing a greater interest in emerald cut diamonds as they are incredibly elegant and also timeless. We recently sold an engagement ring very similar to this one which featured a vintage emerald cut diamond with fine hand-engraving detail. This is a real statement ring, exactly like Liz Taylor liked hers to be! The bride-to-be also liked the charm of a vintage diamond and her fiancé was savvy enough to know that these diamonds are in scarce supply so will hold their value.”

LINK HERE

2. Grace Kelly

Known for her classic and understated style, the much-loved actress Grace Kelly became the epitome of Fifties elegance. After a fairy tale romance with Prince Rainier of Monaco, she left acting as she became Princess, giving her access to the most incredible jewellery collection.

Kelly ended up with not one but two engagement ring. Her first, a diamond and ruby eternity ring by Cartier, was presented to her by Prince Rainier when he proposed over the Christmas holidays in December 1955. This was said to be a placeholder ring until the actual ring was made. The second, more dazzling ring, was also by Cartier and featured a 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond, flanked by tapered baguette-cut side stones.

Hancocks London:

Kelly was a master of minimalism. Guy Burton explains:

“Both Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier had impeccable taste and effortless style and this is what a lot of brides today want to emulate when choosing an engagement ring.

“We recently had a client who had created a whole Pinterest board with different angles of Grace Kelly’s rings. She wanted something similar with a twist so we ended up sourcing an even older diamond than in Kelly’s original ring – ours is a 1930s, 5.19 carat old emerald-cut diamond set in platinum with baguette side stones. It’s the epitome in style. It was the perfect ring for her.”

LINK HERE

Lauren Bacall

The relationship between Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart was one of the most talked about in Hollywood. In 1945, the couple tied the knot at author Louis Bromfield’s farm in rural Ohio. The ring, presented to Bacall by Bogart, was made of a thick band and had a coloured gemstone as its centrepiece. The ring was regarded as extraordinary as its gemstone looked wider than the band.

Hancocks London:

Guy Burton says:

“With her sultry voice and seductive looks, Lauren Bacall epitomised the elegance and taste of Hollywood. Her style was unmistakable and she was prepared to be different.

“Our cabochon emerald and gold gypsy-set ring is equally unusual and showcases the gem in the centre of a nice thick band, which is in 22ct yellow gold to get a superb rich colour. It is timeless, understated and reflects the sophistication and glamour of a true Hollywood legend and these are really important style cues for brides today.

“This style works well for a bride who want to achieve something a little bolder and stand-out without necessarily relying on a large gemstone. The gold look is strong and it is particularly popular at the moment.”

LINK HERE

4. Jackie Kennedy

Senator John Kennedy and Jacqueline Lee Bouvier announced their engagement to the press in 1953. Excited reporters asked to see the ring and there wasn’t one. “Jack and I have looked at dozens of them,” Jackie was reported to have said.  “Some I didn’t like and others weren’t the right type.” The couple eventually they found a ring at Van Cleef & Arpels in New York. The toi-et-moi ring was composed of a 2.84 carat emerald-cut emerald and a 2.88-carat emerald-cut diamond. Baguette-cut diamonds and emeralds decorated the arms of the original design.

5. Judy Garland

American actress, singer and dancer Judy Garland had five different engagement rings throughout her life. After two failed marriages, she met and fell in love with show business producer Sidney Luft in 1950. Luft proposed to Judy and they married in 1952. He presented her with a pear-shaped diamond solitaire flanked by two tapered baguettes. Crafted out of platinum and paired with a thin diamond eternity wedding band, the ring was a real showstopper.

Hancocks London:

Guy Burton comments:

“A beautiful antique pear-shaped diamond like the one Judy wore is hard to beat and exceptional examples always catch the eye of buyers. They have a long association with glamorous wearers – from Elizabeth Taylor to Mia Farrow – and have some great advantages over traditional round-cut diamonds: their elongated share means that a pear-shaped diamond looks larger than a round.

“Antique pear-shaped diamonds are regarded as one of the most captivating old cuts, again they come all forms and shapes of pear but they tend to be much softer than their modern equivalent which can be sharp and severe. They work well as an engagement ring as they flow nicely down the finger but allow a wedding band to sit snuggly behind it.

“This beautiful old cut pear-shape diamond weighs 2.38 carats and is set between tapered baguette diamond shoulders, all in finely handcrafted platinum. It oozes Hollywood glamour.”

LINK HERE

6. Mia Farrow

Actress Mia Farrow received a striking pear-shaped diamond weighing nine carats from Frank Sinatra in June of 1966. Farrow was 21-years-old and Sinatra 50-years-old. The couple were married in Las Vegas but divorced two years later. Mia described Sinatra as the love of her life saying she “loved him ‘til the day he died and beyond.”

Hancocks London:

Guy Burton comments:

“Pear-shaped diamonds seemed to fade after the end of the Sixties but they are now back and more in demand that ever.

“Antique pear shapes often buck the trend – compared to modern pears – at being much ‘spreadier’. Very often, like in our ring example here, the antique pear shape will look considerably larger than a modern pear shape of the same weight.

“This ring oozes style. In this case, the old-cut diamond does all the talking and is set simply in a finely engraved yellow gold solitaire. A statement ring in its truest form.”

LINK HERE

7. Jayne Mansfield

Jayne Mansfield, the Hollywood film, theatre and television actress married three times during her life. After a first failed marriage to Paul Mansfield, Jayne, 34, met the actor and former Mr Universe Mickey Hargitay at the Latin Quarter nightclub in New York City in 1956. She fell for him immediately and just over a year later, he proposed to her with a 10 carat round diamond ring in November 1957. The couple married in California – Mansfield wore a pink, skin tight wedding gown made of sequins with a 27 metre flounce of pink tulle (designed by a 20th Century Fox costume designer) and, at the reception, she had Hargitay drink pink champagne. Their Sunset Boulevard home was famous for its heart-shaped swimming pool which Mickey personalised with an ‘I love you Jayne’ message in gold leaf mosaic.

Hancocks London:

Guy Burton says:

“Round diamond solitaires have lasted the test of the time and will never go out of fashion. They have been the most popular shape since diamond-cutting techniques allowed them to be. The beauty of round symmetry is something that makes them very versatile from a design perspective and has long appealed to brides.

With this antique round, old European brilliant cut diamond, we have set in 18ct yellow gold and platinum with diamond accents and our signature decorative hand-engraving  to create a ring that has real standout and catches the attention just like Ms Mansfield did throughout her Hollywood career.”

LINK HERE

8. Audrey Hepburn

Actress Audrey Hepburn’s style was classic, understated and always stylish. The actress famously had a passion for fashion, often sketching her own on-screen outfits and becoming a muse to Hubert de Givenchy. She remains a style icon and is much admired by brides-to-be according to Hancocks London.

After a first meeting at a film party in London, actor Mel Ferrer and Hepburn started dating and he went on to propose to her. Her engagement ring was a slender platinum eternity band with channel set baguette-cut diamonds. During their 1954 wedding ceremony in Switzerland, Ferrer gave Hepburn two wedding bands: one while gold and the other pink gold, both the same size and decorated with a faceted pattern. Each of the rings was engraved with the date of the wedding.

9. Natalie Portman

Moving from old Hollywood to new Hollywood, actress and enowned activist Natalie Portman is often described as “an intellectual actress” and it is no surprise that her engagement ring epitomised her stand on sustainability. Instead of opting for a newly cut diamond, hers featured an antique round diamond has been set within a double diamond-set halo surround.

Hancocks London:

Guy Burton comments:

“Old cuts are the ultimate in sustainability when it comes to diamonds. These were physically cut and polished by hand and eye in the era before computers and lasers. The very best cutters were remarkable craftsmen who understood the material and could extract the maximum amount of life and beauty from the diamond rough using stunning cuts that were not restricted by today’s commercial parameters of standard size, cut and need to maximise carat weight. A wonderful by-product of using these special stones is the fact that they are recycled and the most environmentally responsible source of diamonds.

“Sustainability is extremely important for today’s couples and we have created a new collection of engagement rings as a result. The below ring is set with an old European brilliant cut diamond in a similar style to Natalie’s, however, we decided upon a single halo. We have also introduced some of the fine engraved detail in Hancocks London’s house style to nod to the era of when the diamond was polished.”

LINK HERE

Hancocks London Director Guy Burton sums up:

“The classic and elegant engagement rings from Hollywood in its hey day were really special. They oozed glamour and had a strong connection to the romance associated with the filmmaking industry, whether that was the romance between co-stars to the splendour of onscreen chemistry.

“Our customers really appreciate these classic yet glamorous designs and want a ring which can stand the test of time from a design perspective and also one that captures the remarkable gemstones, masterful craftsmanship and exceptional gemstones.”

Hancocks London prices range from £3,500 up to £295,000 and bespoke commissions can also be made upon request.

www.hancocks-london.com

GYPSY RINGS ON TREND WITH DEMANDS FROM BOTH MEN AND WOMEN HANCOCKS LONDON LAUNCHES NEW SUSTAINABLE COLLECTION AS ICONIC STYLE ENJOYS A REVIVAL

RINGS uniquely designed specifically to thwart early 19th century brigands and highwaymen by disguising the value of their gem stones in a robust band are making a comeback among men and women, according to one of London’s leading jewellers.

The so-called ‘gypsy setting’ – sometimes also referred to as a ‘shot’ or ‘burnish-setting’ – involves inlaying the diamond or gemstone securely so it is flush with the surface of the metal band, sitting just below the surface and enjoying maximum protection.

It is an ideal setting for men’s rings but is growing in popularity among women too; especially those with an active lifestyle or a job where they might be concerned about knocking the gemstones in their ring. More recently, increased hand sanitation; washing and hygiene measures have made the style especially practical.

Hancocks London – based in Mayfair’s Burlington Arcade and one of the capital’s oldest family-run firms – has been making gypsy rings since it opened its doors in 1849. The style first enjoyed a revival among men in the Sixties and Seventies but, over the past year, Hancocks has reported an uptake in enquiries from men and women and is planning its own bespoke, sustainable gypsy ring collection as a result.

The setting’s name allegedly stems from the early 19th century when travellers might be at risk of robbery or murder for their jewellery. Ostentatious jewellery, with highly visible gemstones, made its wearer a target for highwaymen and brigands. A unique way of avoiding trouble was to set valuable stones flush with an ordinary-looking band to effectively conceal their value.

By the late-Victorian era, the style had become more refined and gypsy set rings were given as symbols of friendship to young girls or by their lovers and husbands. Simple and easy to wear, they were designed with a plain or modestly engraved band, and were set flush with diamonds or other precious stones including rubies, sapphires, garnets, amethysts and emeralds.

Arabella Boyce, Fashion Editor and Celebrity Stylist, comments: “Gypsy set rings are becoming increasingly popular given their versatility and effortless chic. They make a real style statement and work well whether you are wearing a white t-shirt and jeans or a party-ready Little Black dress. I think it’s the simplicity of the design coupled with its wearability that’s a big part of their appeal and they look great too!”

Hancocks London’s new gypsy ring collection features vintage cut diamonds – dating from 1875 to the 1950s – which have been meticulously graded for colour, clarity, cut and carat weight by The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the world’s leading gemological laboratory for diamonds. The stones are all set in rings which have been made using recycled gold for the bands. As well as being designed in London, the rings have been made by Hancocks London’s experienced team of master craftsmen who have decades of experience in making these creations and who are also based in London and the surrounding areas.

Hancocks London Director Guy Burton said:

“We have been making gypsy rings since 1849, so we know what we’re doing, but we have seen a real resurgence of interest over the past year. The style of setting actually goes back a long time before they were known as gypsy-set rings and the design proved enduringly popular for hundreds of years.

“Demand is being driven by buyers who want a piece of jewellery that is both sustainable and, at the same time, stylish and one that works with outfits that go from super-smart to uber-casual.

“It’s wonderful to see gypsy rings granted a new lease of life with this new collection featuring contemporary designs together with the fact that each piece is sustainable, featuring beautiful old cut gemstone set in 100 per cent recycled 22 carat.”

He added:

“This new collection epitomises what Hancocks stands for: quality, design, exceptional craftsmanship and exceptional gemstones.”

Joanna Hardy, an independent fine jewellery specialist, author and one of the jewellery experts on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, commented:

“I always remember gypsy rings being very popular as men’s rings in the Seventies and the Eighties, may be it was a showing of wealth but also it is a practical setting for a man where by the stones are set down into the shank so they did not protrude which meant they would not get knocked about. They were always set in heavy shanks so you would have double wealth, the gold and the diamonds!

“The gyspy ring design has stood the test of time and the best ones make great heirlooms to pass from generation to generation and are very much in style as much now as they did in the late 19th century.”

Hancocks London Gypsy Ring Collection will be previewed at Hancocks London’s Mayfair premises this summer and will also go on sale online at www.hancocks-london.com Prices range from £3,500 up to £295,000 and bespoke commissions can also be made upon request.

Hancocks is delighted to preview this magnificent ‘Entwined diamond hearts’ bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels as its Jewel of the Month for February and just ahead of Valentine’s Day.

Dated circa 1965 and made in Paris, the 18 carat yellow gold and platinum bracelet features 60 round brilliant cut diamonds with an estimated diamond weight of 25 carats.

Guy Burton of Hancocks London says: “We are particularly excited to offer this wonderful vintage piece of Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery to our clients. It oozes glamour, looks really fabulous when worn, and is in excellent condition.

“From what we know, Van Cleef & Arpels made a small number of these heart bracelets and this is the first time we have offered one to our clients. This is the ultra wealthy and chic equivalent to buying flowers and it would make the perfect Valentine’s gift for sure.”

Price: £85,000.00

A STUNNING diamond tiara owned by one of the British aristocracy’s most flamboyant and controversial characters will be unveiled at TEFAF Maastricht, one of the world’s richest art fairs in the next few week1.

Known as the black sheep of his family, the 5th Marquess of Anglesey, Henry Cyril Paget, died aged 29 in March 1905 having run up debts equivalent to £60 million.
The flamboyant aristocrat spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on lavish clothes, jewels and his own travelling theatre productions – including the magnificent Victorian tiara with detachable necklace.
The headdress, which has remained in the family for generations, is being exhibited by Hancocks London, the award-winning jewellers which was recently recognised as the best independent jewellers in Mayfair.
The tiara, circa 1890, is formed of a graduated row of over 100 carats of old European and old mine-cut diamonds, which can detach to form a stunning rivière necklace. It is surmounted by scroll and cluster motifs
and interspersed with curved tines topped with graduated pear-shaped diamond-set motifs, to a velvet covered band.
In the late 19th century it was owned by Paget, who had a passion for fine jewellery and who wore much of it himself – bankrupting himself in the process.
A lover of the arts, he turned the chapel at the family’s seat in Anglesey into the 150-Gaiety Theatre and was known as the ‘Dancing Marquess’ due to his habit of starring in the extravagant shows he produced for friends and family.

Guy Burton of Hancocks London said: “This is a unique piece in every way. The 5th Marquess was a fabulously extravagant character even by the standards of his day. He really was the black sheep of his very distinguished family. “If jewels could talk, this tiara would have a fascinating story to tell. It was undoubtedly worn by the Marquess in his productions and, later, the 6th Marchioness of Anglesey, Lady Marjorie, was photographed wearing it by Cecil Beaton at King George VI’s coronation in 1937. “It’s a truly magnificent piece and, needless to say, jewellery of this provenance and story rarely appears on the open market so we are particularly excited to unveil it at one of the world’s most prestigious art fairs this year.”

Famous for his lavish spending and colourful social life, within six years he had largely spent the vast sums he inherited along with his title in 1898.The cash went on clothes, jewels and his theatre productions – especially the costumes for his pantomimes in which he always played the lead.
His jewel-bedecked outfit for Henry V was said to have cost £40,000 (equivalent £4.8 million today) and his costume for Aladdin may have cost as much as £100,000 (equivalent to £12 million in today’s money).
By 1904, he had accumulated massive debts and was forced to declare himself bankrupt. Much of his lavish wardrobe and jewels were sold to pay off creditors. The tiara was retained by the family.
Henry Cyril Paget passed away the following year after a long illness aged just 29 in Monte Carlo. His remains were returned for burial to the parish church of St Edwen’s in Llanedwen near the family seat on Anglesey. The Timesreported that, despite his colourful reputation, he was much liked by locals. The title and family estate passed to his cousin, Charles Henry Alexander Paget, who became 6th Marquess of Anglesey.
Being of a more conservative disposition than his cousin, Charles left the wearing of jewellery to his wife Marjorie who now took ownership of the jewels that had not been sold off to repay Paget’s creditors. He  destroyed his cousin’s paper and converted the Gaiety Theatre back into the family chapel. After a distinguished military career, Charles served as Lord Chamberlain to Queen Mary and the Pagets maintained close ties to the Royal family over the coming decades. 

Lady Marjorie posed for renowned society photographer Cecil Beaton at the Coronation wearing the tiara and all her finery. Beaton had been commissioned by Vogue to take a series of pictures of peeresses to appear in a special Coronation edition of the magazine.
Their daughter, Lady Elizabeth, was one of six maids of honour to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen consort, on the day her husband became King George VI in 1936.
The tiara has remained in the family until recently and is now being offered for sale by Hancocks London. It presents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a piece of jewelled history.

Hancocks is delighted to preview this striking Victorian onyx and gold cross pendant as its first Jewel of the Month for 2020.

A real statement piece, the pendant is Victorian, circ 1870s, and is in excellent condition.

Measuring 8.5cm long, 6cm wide, it is formed of four rectangular batons of strongly banded dark brown and white onyx which are set together to form a Latin cross. The centre point of the cross is set with a round cabochon in gold collar.

Guy Burton of Hancocks London says:

“This is quite a remarkable piece as although you do see banded onyx crosses from this era it’s unusual to find one of such high craftsmanship. Plus it is of a large size and all four batons have been carved from a single piece of onyx which gives the piece a certain class.”

“The pendant also hangs off its original thick handmade gold snake chain which is a masterpiece in its own right. It is most definitely a wonderful piece which we are delighted to offer to our clients at the start of 2020.”

Price: £14,500.00