Auction & Heritage

Hancocks London Acquires Historic Inchiquin Emerald with Royal Irish Provenance

Close-up of a large emerald set in a diamond-studded gold bangle. - nationaljeweler.com

A Rare Gem with Deep Historical Roots

Hancocks London has announced the acquisition of the remarkable Inchiquin Emerald, a significant jewel featuring a 5.67-carat antique Colombian emerald with an exceptional provenance. The piece, dating to circa 1890, is linked to the O’Brien family, the Barons of Inchiquin, who are direct descendants of Brian Boru, the 11th-century High King of Ireland. This historic jewel is now on display and available for purchase at Hancocks London’s St James’s Street location.

Exceptional Gemological Qualities

The centerpiece of the jewel is the 5.67-carat octagonal step-cut Colombian emerald, renowned for its vivid green hue and fine clarity. The Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) has awarded the emerald an appendix letter, a distinction reserved for truly exceptional gemstones. The report highlights that the emerald shows no indications of clarity modification, a rare attribute for Colombian stones of this size and quality. SSEF notes its remarkable size and weight, combined with an attractive green color and fine clarity, further pronounced by its well-proportioned cutting style resulting in vivid green hues. According to the laboratory, an emerald from Colombia of this size and quality can be considered rare and exceptional.

The emerald is set within yellow gold claws and surrounded by a total of approximately 10.50 carats of antique diamonds. These include twelve old mine-cut diamonds forming a border around the emerald, and eight larger old European-cut diamonds framing this inner setting, further accented by diamond points. The gemstones are mounted in silver and gold.

Ingenious Victorian Craftsmanship

The jewel exemplifies the ingenious craftsmanship of the late Victorian era, particularly its convertible nature. It features a fixed loop on the reverse, allowing it to be worn as a pendant. Additionally, it comes with a specially crafted bangle fitting, enabling it to be worn as an elegant bracelet. This versatility was highly valued during the Victorian period, allowing pieces to transition between daywear and formal evening events.

A Lineage to High Kings

The jewel’s name and provenance are intrinsically linked to the O’Brien family, Barons of Inchiquin. The title of Baron Inchiquin is one of the oldest in the Peerage of Ireland, created in 1543 by Henry VIII. The O’Brien lineage traces directly back to Brian Boru, the last Gaelic Irish king to rule over the entire island, who died at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. The family’s continuity into the modern peerage is well-documented, with the current peer being the 19th Baron.

The emerald jewel was presented as a wedding gift to Ethel Jane Foster in 1896 upon her marriage to the Honourable Lucius William O’Brien, the eldest son of the 14th Baron Inchiquin. He later succeeded his father in 1900, becoming the 15th Baron Inchiquin. Lady Ethel Jane O’Brien documented the jewel in her 1939 will as her “large emerald and diamond bracelet.” The piece passed by descent through the family for generations.

A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity

Guy Burton, managing director of Hancocks London, described the Inchiquin Emerald as belonging to “an exceptionally small group of named heritage jewels available today.” He emphasized its importance on several levels: the strength of its provenance, its rarity, and the remarkable gemological qualities and beauty of the emerald itself. “Jewels of this caliber come to market very rarely, and to find a Colombian emerald of such quality with provenance connected to Irish nobility and set in such a beautifully crafted antique jewel is unheard of,” Burton stated. “We are incredibly excited to be able to offer collectors an opportunity of this significance.”