By Fran Newman-Young, in partnership with Hancocks London
When it comes to weddings, there is a curious paradox. The day is steeped in tradition, yet every detail should feel unmistakably yours. From the cut of your gown to the sparkle at your throat, these choices are more than decorative – they are declarations of identity.
Few places understand this better than Hancocks London. Established in 1849, Hancocks has earned a reputation as one of Britain’s foremost jewellers, renowned for curating exceptional antique and contemporary pieces. Their new townhouse at 62 St James’s Street feels more like a discreet club than a showroom.
Inside, you’ll find a series of elegant rooms – some lined with velvet and vitrines displaying Georgian tiaras and Victorian rivière necklaces, others arranged with polished tables where you can lay out selections in calm, natural light. Each visit is unhurried and personal, a chance to discover the jewels that will become part of your story.
So, while the ring and the dress often claim the spotlight, consider the final flourish: the jewels that won’t just adorn you, but reflect you – today and always.
The Art of Adornment
Before you disappear into a whirl of carats and settings, pause to consider your dress. What story are you telling? If your gown is a minimalist triumph, this is your cue to embrace proportion.
For those drawn to distinctive design, Hancocks London presents a curated mix of modernist icons and contemporary innovators. Their collection spans bold, sculptural forms and clean, architectural lines – pieces that favour striking design over ornamentation. From legendary houses like Hermès and Cartier, alongside their own expertly crafted designs, Hancocks selects jewels where form and craftsmanship take precedence. Whether mid-century torque necklaces, minimalist cuffs, or contemporary interpretations of classic shapes, their offering reflects a dedication to jewellery that feels confident, modern and utterly individual.
For a bride seeking a show-stopping centrepiece, Hancocks London presents a curated selection of exquisite tiaras that trace the grandest movements of jewellery design – from the refined garland wreaths of the Victorian era to the bold geometry of Art Deco bandeaux. Hancocks’ tiaras are chosen as much for their historical provenance as for their craftsmanship – pieces that speak of their makers and their moment. These are not merely decorative; they are jewels with identity, capable of defining a bridal look.
And for those with a vision entirely their own, Hancocks’ bespoke service offers the opportunity to create something personal and enduring. When crafting a piece from concept to final design, their in-house experts work closely with each bride to deliver jewels that don’t just complement a wedding day, but become part of its story.
Something Old, Something New
One of the joys of shopping with a heritage jeweller is the chance to imbue your look with meaning. Hancocks is celebrated for its jewelled treasures spanning many eras – from Georgian rivieres and Art Deco diamond bracelets, to vintage necklaces and contemporary old cut diamond drop earrings, all handcrafted here in London.
Traditionally, ‘something old’ is a family heirloom, a link to past generations and a reminder of enduring love. But for brides who want to express their own style, a carefully chosen vintage jewel can be just as evocative.
Take, for instance, Hancocks’ vintage 1960s diamond curb link bracelet. With 11 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds pavé-set in generous, articulated links of 18ct white gold, it has an effortless confidence about it – a modern silhouette softened by a touch of old-world glamour.
Trends Are Your Friends (Not Your Boss)
While classic diamonds will always have their place, 2025 is defined by individuality. According to Pinterest, searches for pink diamond engagement rings have soared 349%, sapphires by 328%, and 1920s-style rings by an astonishing 1,458%. Couples are abandoning the expected in favour of coloured stones, vintage silhouettes, and maximalist stacks that feel personal rather than prescribed.
Brooches, too, have returned as emblems of character. Whether pinned at the waist, slipped into a chignon or worn high on a sash, they are a chic and unexpected punctuation mark. Hancocks’ Victorian old-cut diamond starburst brooch, for instance, is a striking example: a radiant burst of antique diamonds that can transform even the simplest gown into something memorable.
For those seeking a singular statement, Hancocks’ sapphire and platinum drop doughnut earrings strike the perfect chord – at once contemporary and classic. Vivid blue sapphires, framed in handcrafted platinum, they make a striking something blue – and a reminder that the most compelling bridal look is the one that is entirely your own.
Earrings: The Frame for Your Face
Whether you’re wearing your hair swept up or tumbling loose, earrings are non-negotiable.
For a gown with a higher neckline, consider something bold yet timeless, like Hancocks’ long-line old-cut diamond drop earrings. Showcasing beautifully matched old-cut diamonds, these elongated drops are set in hand-finished platinum collets, blending antique character with a clean, modern silhouette. Suspended from simple platinum fittings, they offer a refined sense of drama – jewels designed to be worn long after the wedding day itself.
Prefer something more delicate? Subtle diamond studs deliver effortless elegance and comfort that lasts from ceremony to final dance.
Necklaces & Bracelets: The Icing on the Cake
A diamond rivière remains bridal jewellery’s little black dress: always appropriate, never predictable. Hancocks’ Georgian Revival versions, set with chunky old-cut diamonds, will glisten through generations of photographs.
Equally striking is the 1.52ct Georgian Revival lozenge diamond pendant, with its hexagonal step-cut diamond in a black rhodium platinum setting backed in yellow gold – a piece that feels both antique and yet fresh.
Don’t overlook your wrists. A vintage diamond and platinum line bracelet, circa 1950, drapes over 32 carats of emerald-cut diamonds around the wrist with understated grandeur. For something softer but no less refined, Hancocks’ Georgian Revival diamond bracelet, set with 5.80 carats of old-cut stones, pairs elegantly with their old mine cushion-cut earrings for a look that feels considered, never matched.
For those seeking a classic investment, a vintage Cartier diamond line bracelet adds timeless polish: sophisticated enough for the wedding day, yet destined to become a lifelong favourite.
Rings Beyond the Rings
A wedding band is more than a symbol; it’s a daily companion. Hancocks offers an array of meticulously crafted bands that balance tradition with individuality.
For classic elegance, the 2.5mm Old European-Cut Diamond Eternity Ring in platinum or gold encircles the finger with antique-cut sparkle. The 18ct rose gold band with foliate scroll engraving adds vintage charm, while the square French-cut diamond eternity band offers a contemporary edge.
These pieces aren’t just for your wedding day, they will become your own future heirlooms.
A Few Parting Pearls (and Diamonds) of Wisdom
In the din of wedding planning, it’s easy to overlook the only aesthetic that matters: your own. Forget borrowed ideals. Select pieces that feel honest. Jewellery, after all, should frame you, not the other way around.
Hancocks London understands this. Their curated mix of period jewels, contemporary designs, and house creations is not about chasing trends but honouring craftsmanship and individuality. For those who prefer to write their own chapter, the bespoke service is a fitting choice. You’ll collaborate with their expert craftsmen to create unique pieces entirely from scratch. In a world awash with the generic, that’s what sets Hancocks apart: the ability to deliver something that feels entirely yours.
Because true elegance isn’t styled; it’s worn with certainty. It is not for the wedding day alone, but for the life that follows. And when you’re ready, Hancocks London will be waiting with a glass of champagne and a tray of extraordinary treasures. Because if ever there was a time to dazzle, it’s now.
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