After 175 years in business, Hancocks London has a few stories to tell. And they are now contained in a five-story Georgian townhouse on St James’s Street that is the British jeweler’s new flagship.
“Our new home provides us with the perfect space to showcase our unparalleled collection of incredibly rare, one-of-a-kind pieces we make and curate as well as our wider collections and pieces from our own archive,” said managing director Guy Burton in a statement.
Jewels, tiaras, and books from Hancocks’ illustrious history are on display in the 2,000-square-foot townhouse, located a stone’s throw from the Ritz and St James’s Palace. The building was home to military tailors, uniform manufacturers, and yacht brokers in the 18th century. Its rooms and galleries were remodeled for Hancocks by architecture firm Arke in collaboration with interior designers Barlow & Barlow to channel the comfort and character of a private home that’s both quintessentially British and contemporary at the same time. Each space welcomes private appointments for shopping and custom designing.
“Throughout our history, Hancocks has served as a distinguished jeweler and manufacturer,” said Burton. “In 1849, we were originally the House of Hancocks, known for manufacturing jewelry, important silverware, and the like for clients including royalty, heads of state, and the great and the good. In 1916, we went on to become more of a shop, and postwar, continued selling vintage jewelry and signed jewelry, while also still making our own designs.
“As we now move forward, it feels both authentic and deeply meaningful that we go back to being what we were originally known as: one of the world’s foremost independent jewelry houses.”
Top: The facade of Hancocks London’s new flagship on St James’s Street in London (photos courtesy of Hancocks London)
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