Hancocks to exhibit works by master jewellers at Masterpiece London
LONDON, April 19, 2014 – Hancocks will celebrate the 5th anniversary of Masterpiece London (26 June – 2 July 2014) by showcasing master works by the finest jewellers from the canon of jewellery history, including Boucheron, Pierre Sterlè and Cartier, alongside pieces from one of the most notable collections of the 21st century – The Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
The highlights shown here reinforce the international appeal of the high-calibre offering at Hancocks. Whilst the pieces may be, in some cases, almost a century old, their look and appeal are timeless, testament to the skill of the jewellers who created them.
Both Boucheron and Sterlè founded their eponymous jewellery maisons in Paris – the former in 1858 and the latter in 1934. Sterlè, when he was first established, also worked for Boucheron, so while their creative styles are quite distinct, the importance of fine quality materials and innovative design is central to the aesthetic of both maisons.
Above left, we have the Retro rose gold bangle, set with both calibre and brilliant cut sapphires and brilliant cut diamonds, by Boucheron, 1944/46; and above right, we have an outstanding double row diamond ‘Ribbon’ motif necklace, set with baguette and round cut diamonds by Pierre Sterlè, Paris c.1960. The total weight of diamonds is 62.90ct.
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor were renowned collectors of fine jewellery and Hancocks will present a selection of pieces, illustrative of their progressive yet classic collection.
On the left, we have a fine duo of Edwardian cufflinks in 15ct gold and hand-painted enamel, c.1905; the top pair depicting Queen Alexandra and King Edward VII.
On the right, we have a torsade design coral, emerald and diamond choker necklace, composed of twenty-three rows of twisted coral beads, terminating in an open work tubular clasp set with carved emeralds and single-cut diamonds. The centre is set with a row of brilliant-cut diamonds. By Cartier, Paris, 1949.
