Hancocks London recently announced a significant addition to its esteemed collection: its very first acquisition of a jewel crafted by Taffin. This remarkable piece, a necklace, features a substantial 28.31-carat old mine–cut cushion diamond elegantly suspended on a twisted red silk cord. The acquisition marks a notable moment for Hancocks, which has designated this distinctive item as its Jewel of the Month for October, celebrating its unique design and the rarity of Taffin creations on the open market.
The origins of this captivating necklace trace back to a private commission in 2003. The central diamond boasts impressive specifications, graded G in color and VVS1 in clarity. It is securely held by platinum claws, which lead to a rope-like red silk cord. Further enhancing its design, the necklace incorporates small platinum spacers and pavé-set diamonds along the silk. A cleverly integrated cylindrical tongue-and-box clasp, also adorned with pavé-set diamonds, ensures a seamless closure at the back. Authenticity is guaranteed, as the piece bears the distinct Taffin signature and a serial number, accompanied by an official certificate from the house.
Guy Burton, the managing director of Hancocks, emphasized the exceptional nature of the design. He noted that while traditional settings might be expected for a diamond of this magnitude, James de Givenchy, the visionary behind Taffin, chose an innovative path by pairing it with red silk. This artistic decision has resulted in what Burton describes as a "contemporary masterpiece" and a truly "thrilling jewel," embodying the unmistakable style of Taffin.
The exclusivity of Taffin pieces is well-known within the high-jewelry world. Founded in New York in 1996 by James de Givenchy, the brand operates from a private salon, specializing in bespoke, one-of-a-kind jewels. This operational model means that Taffin's creations seldom become available for resale, making Hancocks' acquisition particularly significant. Burton further highlighted this rarity, stating that Taffin jewels are highly sought after and infrequently appear on the open market. He expressed immense pride and excitement in showcasing this as the first Taffin piece to join the Hancocks collection.
James de Givenchy, nephew of the renowned couturier Hubert de Givenchy, hails from Beauvais, France. His distinguished reputation in the jewelry world stems from his unconventional approach to design, often juxtaposing extraordinary gemstones with unexpected materials not typically found in fine jewelry. This method consistently yields vibrant, sculptural pieces that stand apart. Hancocks has long admired de Givenchy's work, and Burton views this necklace as a perfect fit for their collection, especially given the remarkable old-cut diamond at its core, which resonates with Hancocks' appreciation for historical and finely cut stones.
In summary, the acquisition of this Taffin necklace by Hancocks London represents a unique blend of heritage and innovation in fine jewelry. The piece, featuring a substantial 28.31-carat old mine–cut diamond on a red silk cord, exemplifies James de Givenchy's distinctive artistic vision. This rare addition to Hancocks' collection underscores the value placed on both exceptional gemstones and groundbreaking design, celebrating a contemporary masterpiece that defies conventional expectations.
