The Devonshire Parure
Perhaps the most significant commission for Hancocks was the Devonshire Parure. This famous and fascinating suite of jewels was assembled in 1856 for the coronation of Tsar Alexander II of Russia, in Moscow, and was commissioned by The sixth Duke of Devonshire and Sir Joseph Paxton for the Queen’s representative, the Countess Granville.
No less than 88 exquisite classical cameos and intaglios from the Devonshire collection were mounted in spectacular fashion into a suite of seven magnificent jewels, the most impressive being a huge stomacher.
The parure is mounted in enamelled gold and it is in the design of the enamelling that the term "Holbeinesque" has come to be recognised. Hancocks sold many such pieces and, rightly, was recorded as the originator of the design.
The Devonshire Parure