The “Inchiquin” emerald is set in a convertible diamond jewel that can be worn as a pendant or bangle (price upon request).
London—Hancocks London has acquired a historic emerald and diamond jewel, owned by a family descended from the 11th-century High King of Ireland, Brian Boru (c. 941–1014).
The piece, circa 1890, features the “Inchiquin” emerald, a 5.67-carat antique Colombian emerald.
The emerald is set within yellow gold claws and bordered by twelve old mine-cut diamonds that are framed within eight larger old European-cut diamonds, each accented by diamond points totaling approximately 10.50 carats.
The gemstones are mounted in silver and gold, with a fixed loop to the reverse, allowing the jewel to be worn as a pendant or attached to its bangle fitting.
The jewel’s convertible quality exemplifies “the ingenious craftsmanship” of the Victorian era, Hancocks London said.
The piece is linked to the O’Briens, the Barons of Inchiquin, and direct descendants of Boru, the last ruler to exercise true authority over Ireland, according to Hancocks London.
The title of Baron Inchiquin is among the oldest in the Peerage of Ireland, created by Henry VIII in 1543 for Murrough O’Brien, whose lineage traces directly back to Boru.
The emerald jewel was given to Ethel Jane Foster on her marriage to the Honourable Lucius William O’Brien, the eldest son of the 14th Baron Inchiquin, which took place in 1896.
In 1900, he succeeded his father’s peerage, serving as an Irish Representative Peer in the House of Lords and taking the title of 15th Baron Inchiquin.
He also inherited the titles of Chief of the Name of O’Brien and Prince of Thomond in the Gaelic Irish nobility.
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Before her death in 1940, Lady Ethel Inchiquin documented the jewel in her 1939 will, stating “…my large emerald and diamond bracelet given me by my mother on my marriage…”
Ethel Jane Foster wearing the “Inchiquin” emerald
Lord and Lady Inchiquin had six children, and the emerald jewel passed by descent through the family.
“The Inchiquin emerald belongs to an exceptionally small group of named heritage jewels available today. Its importance has several levels: the strength of its provenance, its rarity, and the remarkable gemological qualities and beauty of the emerald itself,” said Guy Burton, managing director of Hancocks London.
“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. We are incredibly excited to be able to offer collectors an opportunity of this significance.”
The emerald is accompanied by a report from the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF, which states that the gemstone is of Colombian origin and shows no indications of any clarity modification.
The appendix letter from the lab states “… It exhibits a remarkable size and weight, combined with an attractive green color and a fine clarity. Its color is further pronounced by its well-proportioned cutting style, resulting in vivid green hues due to multiple internal reflections…
“An emerald from Colombia of this size and quality can be considered rare and exceptional.”
The piece represents a once-in-a-generation find for collectors, particularly those with “a serious eye for colored gemstones and love for provenance,” Hancocks London said.
The Inchiquin Emerald is on display and available for purchase at Hancocks London, located at 62 St James’s Street, London SW1A 1LY.
