On a crisp November day, Hancocks London’s impeccably refurbished townhouse at 62 St James’s Street welcomed an illustrious guest list for The Wedding Edition’s sparkling diamond masterclass. Fran Newman-Young, Anisa Sojka, Eshita Kabra-Davies, Chantal Piper, Alessandra Frame, and Genevieve Harris were among those who gathered for a day celebrating heritage and bridal brilliance.
Guests were transported into a world of refined splendor from the moment they stepped through the townhouse’s grand doors. The interiors, an exquisite fusion of period charm and contemporary sophistication, provided the perfect backdrop for the event.
Inside: A Diamond Masterclass At Hancocks London
The day began with Brunch with Diamonds, an intimate affair complemented by the crisp pour of Louis Roederer champagne. Guy Burton, Managing Director of Hancocks, set the tone with an engaging introduction that highlighted the brand’s legacy and its journey to this iconic St James’s location. Guests were then guided to the Burlington Gallery, where Guy and The Wedding Edition’s contributing jewellery editor, Sarah Royce-Greensill, delved into the magic of antique diamonds.
The diamond masterclass explored the unique qualities of old-cut stones, focusing on the intricacies of the 4Cs—carat, colour, clarity, and cut—reimagined for antique gems. Attendees were encouraged to handle and admire rare pieces, discovering the allure of warmer hues, spready cuts, and the romantic imperfections that make antique diamonds truly unique. It was an engaging and insightful session that left attendees mesmerised by the enduring beauty of Hancocks’ collection.
The experience continued in the Bruton Gallery, where Marcus and Amy guided guests through a dazzling array of vintage wedding jewellery. Highlights included treasures from legendary houses such as Cartier and Tiffany, alongside pieces of unsigned jewellery celebrated for their craftsmanship. A discussion on the distinction between antique and vintage jewellery provided fascinating insights into the evolution of bridal adornment.
A true highlight of the day was Alexandra Tilling’s captivating champagne pairing session, a celebration of Louis Roederer’s finest vintages. Alexandra enchanted guests with her expertise, guiding them through the artful synergy between the radiance of diamonds and the brilliance of champagne. Each vintage revealed its delicate complexity, perfectly mirroring the timeless craftsmanship of antique diamonds. To crown the experience, guests were treated to glasses of Cristal—Louis Roederer’s iconic cuvée with a storied connection to Russian royalty, echoing the regal heritage of the jewels themselves. This masterclass was a true immersion in luxury, weaving together the rich histories of two icons of refinement and leaving attendees spellbound by the interplay of taste, sparkle, and legacy.
The afternoon transitioned effortlessly into Afternoon Tea with Diamonds, with Lettice Events providing a sumptuous menu designed to match the occasion’s elegance. The canapés, crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients, included quail’s eggs on toasted brioche with truffle emulsion, smoked salmon with dill, and exquisite Exmoor caviar. Signature Hancocks macarons added a bespoke flourish, delighting the palates of even the most discerning guests. Sustainability was at the heart of Lettice’s ethos, their zero-waste approach and commitment to local produce subtly elevating the culinary experience.
The event was concluded with a spectacular presentation of antique tiaras in the townhouse’s opulent setting. Marcus’s storytelling brought the pieces to life, with highlights including the Anglesey tiara, a masterpiece steeped in history. Guests had the chance to don these dazzling headpieces, capturing their own fairy-tale moments before the day came to a close.
As the last glasses of champagne were savoured and the final diamonds admired, each guest departed with thoughtful gifts—a diamond loop and notepad to immortalise the day’s lessons. For those lucky enough to attend, this was more than an event; it was an invitation to step into a world where heritage meets luxury, curated to perfection by The Wedding Edition and Hancocks London.
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