Hancocks Acquires Its First Taffin Jewel

By Annie Davidson Watson | October 05, 2026

Hancocks London has acquired its first jewel by Taffin—a necklace centered on a 28.31 ct. old mine–cut cushion diamond on a twisted red silk cord—and has named the piece its Jewel of the Month for October.

The necklace began as a private commission in 2003. The diamond is graded G in color and VVS1 in clarity, and platinum claws hold it at the end of a rope-like cord. Small spacers of platinum and pavé-set diamonds sit along the silk, and a cylindrical tongue-and-box clasp, also pavé-set with diamonds, closes it at the back. The piece carries the Taffin signature and a number, and a certificate of authenticity from the house accompanies it.

For Guy Burton, Hancocks’ managing director, the design’s appeal lies in how it departs from expectations for a stone of this size. “Convention would dictate that a diamond of this size be set formally, but James de Givenchy has taken another path and set it on red silk, creating a contemporary masterpiece,” Burton said in a statement. “It is a thrilling jewel, and unmistakably Taffin.”

Hancocks lists the price as available on request. The house behind the piece may be part of the context for buyers: Taffin, founded in New York in 1996 by James de Givenchy, works from a private salon and produces one-of-a-kind jewels, many of them made to order. That model means its work seldom surfaces for resale.

“Taffin jewels are highly prized and rarely come to the open market,” Burton added. “This is the first Taffin jewel to join the Hancocks collection, and we are extremely proud and excited to show it.”

De Givenchy, born in Beauvais, north of Paris, is the nephew of couturier Hubert de Givenchy. His reputation rests on setting exceptional gemstones alongside materials not usually seen in fine jewelry, resulting in vivid, sculptural pieces.

Burton said Hancocks has followed de Givenchy’s work for years and sees the necklace as a natural fit because of its old-cut diamond. “We have long admired the work of James de Givenchy, and this piece feels particularly perfect for us, with such a truly remarkable old-cut diamond at its heart.”

(Photos courtesy of Hancocks)

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