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 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

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