By Daisy Tinker
Hancocks of London, one of Britain's oldest and finest specialist dealers in rare and collectable jewels, will be exhibiting for the first time at the Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair.
Running from 13 - 17 September, the fair is one of the largest fine jewellery events in the world. Around 3,500 exhibitors from 48 countries and regions will display jewellery, pearls, diamonds, loose gemstones and equipment to some 52,000 buyers and visitors. Of particular interest to us is the antique and vintage pavilion, where Hancocks will be making its debut this year.
Hancocks of London, which resides in the capital's historic Burlington Arcade, opened its doors 150 years ago on the corner of Bruton and Bond Street. Aiming to take advantage of the surge in interest in fine jewellery among Asian buyers, Hancocks will be travelling out to Hong Kong for the fair, bringing with it some exceptional examples of rare and exquisite craftsmanship from the late 19th century onwards.
Many of the pieces date from the Art Deco era, when Asia provided a rich source of inspiration for the designers of the time. Materials such as jade, together with traditional motifs of Asian art, became synonymous with the exoticism of the Art Deco movement, exemplified by the Marcus & Co chinoiserie enamelled minute repeater clock, circa 1925, and colourful brooch depicting a bird in flight by Lacloche Frères, Paris, circa 1930.
Speaking of Hancocks' planned expansion into Asia, Guy Burton, head of bespoke jewellery at Hancocks, says: "During the past decade, we have seen an increasing interest in fine jewellery amongst Asian buyers, who are getting more refined in their tastes toward fine jewellery as well as looking for alternative, longer-term investments. We look forward to establishing a presence in Asia and building relationships within this market. I believe the very best examples of fine, signed jewellery that we shall exhibit at the Hong Kong show, from the late 19th century through to contemporary pieces, will greatly appeal to the Asian and international visitors who are looking for high-quality and elegant collections."
