London jeweler Hancocks is renowned all over the world for its exemplary jewels. Founded in 1849, Hancocks has grown from being one of the most prominent jewelers of the 19th century to a prestigious family-run firm that is home to engagement rings, signet rings, three-stone rings and other adornments of choice for all kinds of jewelry lovers.
Hancocks was founded by Charles Frederick Hancock in the heart of London’s Mayfair district. Then known as Charles Hancock and Company, the firm earned a reputation for excellence in providing the finest quality jewelry, silver and gemstones, and quickly drew the attention of Britain’s upper class. Queen Victoria issued them a Royal Warrant in their first year of business — the first of four. Today, antique Victorian jewelry — including the exquisite Hancocks accessories of the era — is very coveted and highly collectible.
Ever since, Hancocks has had an impressive array of aristocratic clients and sold a large number of illustrious gems and jewels. Among the items that passed through Hancocks were the Hope Diamond, an Egyptian Revival gold and gem-set necklace gifted by Edward VII (then Prince of Wales) to his mistress, and Princess Margaret’s Cartier diamond rose brooch, which she wore to the 1953 coronation of her sister, Queen Elizabeth II, one of the most photographed women in history.
In 1851, Hancocks showed at their first major exhibition, The Great Exhibition, held in London’s Crystal Palace. Then in 1856, Queen Victoria commissioned the firm to design the Victoria Cross medal — the highest honor bestowed for gallantry in British military service. Hancocks exhibited several other important design fairs in the subsequent years, including the International Exhibition in 1862, the French Exposition Universelle in 1867 and the Vienna World’s Fair in 1873.
Charles Hancock retired from the business in the early 1870s and passed it to his two sons and company partners, Henri Dore and Horatio Stewart. From then on, the firm was known as Hancocks and Company. In later years, the name would change again to Hancocks.
Since being acquired by the Burton family in 1992, Hancocks continues its tradition of excellence from its store in London’s famed Burlington Arcade.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of antique and vintage Hancocks rings, earrings and necklaces.
Hancocks Contemporary 22ct Gold Signet Ring Set With Antique Carnelian Intaglio
By Hancocks
Located in London, GB
A gold and carnelian signet ring by Hancocks, the classic oval shaped signet ring handmade in 22ct yellow gold and set with an antique oval carnelian intaglio circa 1840 engraved wit...
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Antique Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
An antique carnelian intaglio signet ring made in 9k yellow gold. A true piece of history, this exquisite ring features a beautifully carved carnelian intaglio stone set in a classi...
Carnelian, Yellow Gold
Antique Yellow Gold and Carnelian Intaglio Crest Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1890 - 1900 14k Yellow Gold Crest Ring, the top measuring 5/8 x 1/2 inch and is set with a deep Red / Brown Carnelian with a deep engraved Crest....
Carnelian, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 19th Century Carnelian Intaglio 18 Karat Yellow Gold Signet Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark. The top of this splendid ring is set with an intaglio on carnelian bearing the initials "TH". The ring consists of 5 gold threads...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Kieselstein-Cord 18k Gold Carved Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An 18k gold signet ring by Kieselstein-Cord featuring an oval carved carnelian intaglio depicting a heraldic crest. The ring is designed with the brand’s signature fleur-de-lys–inspi...
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Antique Signet Ring Intaglio Bull Taurus Carnelian 18K Yellow Gold ØUS7/12.3gr
Located in SE
Unusual antique Gold and Carnelian Signet Ring with fine hand-carved intaglio of Taurus or Bull / Baal ? with short inscription in an unknown tongue. Ri...
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,571 / item
Chushev Lion Carnelian Intaglio Gold Signet Ring
By Chushev
Located in Canoga Park, CA
This exquisite intaglio is masterfully engraved onto rich carnelian gemstone and features a majestic lion motif. The stone is set in an 18K gold signet ring. Production time for this piece is 12-14 weeks. Can be made in any size ranging from 6-12. Elaborately carved gems were a staple of luxury in antiquity and often incised onto semi-precious stones such as carnelian or jasper. In the form of a talisman they served as extraordinary symbols of status and in certain cases, they were believed to provide divine protection. They were also employed as a form of personal identification when pressed in hot wax or clay. Rulers, nobles and wealthy merchants sought, collected and traded these fascinating miniature works of art. Chavdar Chushev is an artist, restorer, jeweler, and master of the ancient art of gem carving...
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Gold
Chushev Eros and Lion Carnelian Intaglio Gold Signet Ring
By Chushev
Located in Canoga Park, CA
This exquisite intaglio is masterfully engraved onto carnelian and features Eros (Cupid) riding a lion. The motif in art is often accompanied by the Latin phrase, “Omnia vincit amor” or “Love conquers all”. The composition is engraved onto carnelian and set in an 18K gold signet ring. Production time for this piece is 12-14 weeks. Can be made in any size ranging from 6-12 Chavdar Chushev...
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Gold
$10,142 / item
Chushev Chnoubis Carnelian Intaglio Gold Signet Ring
By Chushev
Located in Canoga Park, CA
This exquisite intaglio is masterfully engraved onto rich carnelian gemstone and features the Gnostic deity, Chnoubis. The stone is set in an 18K signet ri...
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique Carnelian Intaglio Gold Ring
Located in Milano, MI
Antique carnelian intaglio gold (18ct) ring. Setting finely hand made and carnelian intaglio depicting a horse. Probably from the early 1900s. Highl...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Carnelian Intaglio Ring, Louis VIII
Located in New York, NY
Antique Carnelian Intaglio Ring from the mid to late 19th Century. Intricately and finely carved seal of a Louis VIII profile within a gold bez...
Carnelian, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Gold & Carved Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring with an Ancient Roman Hero
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique intaglio ring. Likely converted from an antique button or pin. In 14k gold With a carved carnelian cabochon depicting an unidentified Roman hero. Marked 14k to the...
Carnelian, Gold
A 18k signet ring set with a Grand Tour carnelian intaglio. Pan fighting a goat.
Located in London, GB
What makes this piece unique or special? This signet ring showcases a rare and dynamic iconography: Pan, the rustic god of shepherds, engaged in spirited combat with a goat. The subj...
Carnelian, 18k Gold