Hancocks London | Bespoke, Vintage & Contemporary Jewellery

You get asscher cut diamonds and then you get ...

Jun 14

You get asscher cut diamonds and then you get insanely beautiful antique asscher cut diamonds! Not all diamonds are equal just because they have the same GIA grade! We have set this stunning gem in one of our classic gypsy-set designs to show off the amazing geometric facetting and big cut corners. This is my type of diamond!

Another look at this spectacular Colombian emerald...

Jun 11

Another look at this spectacular Colombian emerald and ruby ring. The emerald exhibits the coveted “gota de aceite” effect, this is a clarity features that refers to the very finest and rarest emeralds, it literally means drop of oil. This ring is an incredibly happy ring!

This wonderful 1930s French gold and diamond dress...

Jun 10

Something a little different from us today but no ...

Jun 8

Something a little different from us today but no less beautiful! This wonderful 18th century snuff box is French and has been exquisitely made in three different colours of gold. It is highly decoratively chased and the top has a vertical oval cartouche centred with an urn filled with a floral and foliate arrangement with ribbon bows tied to the handles and with surrounding scroll motifs. A scroll and foliate border encircles the lid, sides and base all set against a ground of horizontal lines with a circular and zig zag repeated motif. The hinged lid opens to reveal a plain polished interior with the maker’s initials JCB on the lid, base and side as well as the charge and discharge marks of Henri Clavel (1780-82). Snuff is powdered tobacco which is sniffed up the nose and the use of it became increasingly popular in Europe during the 17th century. By the 18th century it was being enjoyed by nobility, aristocracy and monarchy and used by men and women alike. This popular habit spawned the need for practical little boxes in which to keep the snuff clean and dry which in turn led to the elevation of this necessity and the creation of beautiful, decorative and often bespoke boxes in the finest of materials. The snuff box became a popular accessory and one of the most attractive and decorative personal items carried by a gentleman. Today they are highly collectable and this pretty box would make a lovely addition to an existing collection or perhaps be the start of a new one!

After sharing this ring on our stories yesterday ...

Jun 3

After sharing this ring on our stories yesterday it got so much love I thought we’d better give it a place on the grid. 11.83cts and a beautiful old cut pear shape in our cut down collet setting, full details are on the website now, link in bio.

This characterful, colourful chap is full of charm...

Jun 2

This characterful, colourful chap is full of charm and personality, caught as he is, mid-stride and mid cock-a-doodle-doo. Made in gold and platinum c.1910 and realistically modelled he’s set with emeralds, rubies and diamonds. The gold head and neck have a finely textured hammered finish resembling feathers and the legs, in full stride, are also in textured gold complete with spurs. Personally, I can’t look at him without thinking of Disney’s Alan-a-Dale from Robin Hood, see stories to see what I mean!

New arrival 🎉 This wonderful Victorian diamond ...

Jun 1

New arrival 🎉 This wonderful Victorian diamond cluster necklace has just arrived with us. Dating from around the 1880s, the style and quality of the necklace suggests it is likely to have been made in London. The idea is similar to that of the classic rivière style necklaces that were such a popular design during the 18th and 19th centuries in so far as the fluidity and movement in the piece enables the diamonds to flow around the base of the throat in a ripple of light. However there is a delicacy to the design of this necklace that many traditional rivières lack. The round clusters with their floral inspired shape have a feeling of lightness to them despite their size. This is due to the diamond surround being set slightly apart from the centre stones thereby allowing your eye to see space and light between them. Without doubt this necklace has borne witness to some splendid celebrations during its life and it is now ready and waiting for a new chapter and new occasions to shine.✨

Golconda alert!! Stop what you’re doing, take a ...

May 29

Golconda alert!! Stop what you’re doing, take a deep breath and take a look at this magnificent diamond! When it comes to diamonds this is the top line, perfection. This is a Type IIA diamond which means that unlike most diamonds which contain traces of nitrogen, Type IIA do not and are therefore the very purest diamonds. These exceptionally rare diamonds are hugely sought after for their incredible level of transparency. It is a D colour of course (if there was a colour grade higher than D then it would be so) and internally flawless. Type IIA diamonds are known as Golconda diamonds after the exhausted mines in India which were renowned for producing them. You can carry on with your day now.

So the Friends Reunion has happened and the big ...

May 28

So the Friends Reunion has happened and the big question on everyone’s lips is of course... which Hancocks ring best personifies each of the characters...!? See comments for who’s who: 🤔

Our Anglesey Tiara - Victorian, over 100 carats, ...

May 27

Our Anglesey Tiara - Victorian, over 100 carats, has a detachable rivière necklace, been worn to a Coronation and photographed for Vogue by Cecil Beaton, not to mention her history with the controversial Dancing Marquess - I mean, there’s a reason she’s my favourite! 🤫

A perfect summery dress ring for you today, this ...

May 27

A perfect summery dress ring for you today, this is vintage Van Cleef c.1969 in chrysoprase, diamonds and 18ct gold. Chrysoprase is a member of the Quartz family sought after and valued for its characteristic colour. It has been used in jewellery since Antiquity and is one of Van Cleef & Arpels favoured ornamental gems. They say “Van Cleef & Arpels sources its chrysoprase predominantly in Australia. While the stone may display myriad nuances of green, from light shades to the deepest hues, the chrysoprase used by the Maison stands out for even, harmonious tones and an exceptionally pure essence.”

Keeping it clean and crisp with our new octagonal ...

May 26

Keeping it clean and crisp with our new octagonal ring, just a simple geometric halo of baguette diamonds to compliment the 2.63ct step-cut octagonal centre stone. Swipe for video and see our website for full details, link in bio.

Our beautiful new carved jade and diamond ...

May 26

Our beautiful new carved jade and diamond butterfly has just fluttered in. This lovely brooch has a wingspan of over 2.5” so is bold in size and yet it retains a sense of lightness and airy delicacy thanks to the piercing and open work on the wings and the clever en tremblant setting which allows the butterfly to flutter with even the slightest movement. The curving inquisitive antennae add to the sense of movement and the angle of the wings (swipe to see) lifts them away from the body giving the sense that it has just settled for a moment before taking flight again. The brooch would look lovely worn on a shoulder, a lapel or even as a hair jewel.

This delicate Victorian diamond and pearl fringe ...

May 25

This delicate Victorian diamond and pearl fringe tiara has just been added to our collection. The fringe tiara is a classic of the Victorian period and this is a lovely example which also converts to a necklace. Traditionally diamonds and pearls were thought the perfect gems for a wedding tiara as the diamonds symbolised the enduring nature of love and marriage whilst pearls were linked to purity and fertility. This tiara is very comfortable to wear as it is relatively light and the slight movement in the fringe means the diamonds catch the light beautifully. Like all our tiaras, it is now available to purchase or hire for your wedding day and beyond.

One of our latest creations... a magnificent pair ...

May 22

One of our latest creations... a magnificent pair of antique pear shapes which we have made into a beautiful crossover ring with French cut diamonds.

A classic vintage Zodiac cuff in 18ct yellow gold ...

May 20