Hancocks London launches January jewel of the month

Hancocks London has released its Jewel of the Month series which features a Scottish Gold Hardstone Bulla-Style Locket Fringed Pendant, priced at £3,850.

Dated back to circa 1870, the pendant measures 3.6cm in width with an “Etruscan-inspired bulla” design which features a flower motif with a gold bead centre surrounded by six lobes of various hardstones in different colours including agate, bloodstone and jasper.

The stones are set within a decorative border of inlaid “hardstones and ornate engraving” surmounted by a similarly decorated “large hinged bale” which opens to reveal a round glazed panel and with three drops suspended beneath.

Guy Burton of Hancocks London, said: “This unusual pendant is a rare example of the marrying of two distinct and collectable jewellery styles, ‘Archaeological Revival’ and ‘Scottish Pebble Jewellery’.

“Scottish pebble jewellery was very popular in the Victorian period, particularly during the latter half of the 19th century after Queen Victoria fell in love with Scotland and all things Scottish.”

He added: “She owned and wore various items of Scottish pebble jewellery, some of which she commissioned herself from stones she had personally collected. By the 1880s, the style was so popular that hundreds of jewellers were producing pieces not only in Scotland but also in England.

“They drew inspiration from traditional Scottish designs such as kilt pins and shawl brooches before branching out into other designs with inspiration from further afield – such as our bulla.”