Harry Winston
Among the famed gemstones that Harry Winston (1896–1978) encountered over the course of his career was the Hope diamond, which he donated to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958. Today, Winston is regarded as the “King of Diamonds” and the “Jeweler to the Stars” as one of the first to recognize the branding power of lending glitzy earrings, necklaces and other fine jewelry for red-carpet events.
Winston’s father had immigrated to New York from Ukraine and ran a small jewelry shop where a young Harry learned about precious stones, enough, the story goes, to identify a real emerald in a heap of pawnshop jewelry at the age of 12. His early success involved turning that eye to estate sale collections that he transformed by freeing gemstones from dated ornamentation, giving them new cuts and modern settings. He opened Harry Winston Inc. in 1932, where he influenced 20th-century-jewelry trends by always elevating the stones rather than adding the lavish decorations that had pervaded jewelry in the 19th century.
The first of the celebrated diamonds to be purchased by Winston was the 726-carat uncut Jonker, acquired in 1935. Many others followed, including the 726.60-carat Vargas from Brazil which, in 1938, he tracked down across multiple continents after he read a brief newspaper notice about its discovery. The rarity and beauty of the gemstones he pursued and presented in his boutiques made the Winston brand synonymous with excellence.
Winston was also a pioneer of marketing as the first jeweler to dress an Academy Awards nominee when he loaned some diamond jewelry to Jennifer Jones for the 1944 Oscar ceremony. Winston was renowned for his eye for the finest of gemstones and the ability to design pieces in order to best flaunt their natural dazzle. He regularly showed off his collection in touring exhibitions, such as the 1949 “Court of Jewels,” which featured the Hope diamond. His storied past and long legacy is continued by the House of Harry Winston and its salons in Japan, the United Kingdom and elsewhere.
On 1stDibs, find a stunning collection of Harry Winston jewelry that includes bracelets, wedding rings, engagement rings and other accessories.
| Average Sold Price |
| $24,314 |
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| Related Creators |
2010s American Harry Winston
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Harry Winston
Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Harry Winston
White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
Late 20th Century American Artist Harry Winston
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Harry Winston
Diamond, Platinum
1950s Vintage Harry Winston
Diamond, Platinum
1950s Vintage Harry Winston
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1990s Harry Winston
Diamond, Platinum
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- What is a Harry Winston diamond?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A Harry Winston diamond refers to jewelry designed by celebrated fine jewelry house Harry Winston Inc. Its founder, Harry Winston (1896–1978), is regarded as the “King of Diamonds” and the “Jeweler to the Stars” as one of the first to recognize the branding power of lending glitzy earrings, necklaces and other fine jewelry for red-carpet events. Winston was renowned for his eye for the finest of gemstones and the ability to design pieces in order to best flaunt their natural dazzle. He regularly showed off his collection in touring exhibitions, such as the 1949 “Court of Jewels,” which featured the Hope diamond. Shop a collection of vintage and modern Harry Winston diamond rings from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Some Harry Winston necklaces can be found for approximately $5,000, while more expensive necklaces can cost up to several hundred thousand dollars. A Harry Winston diamond necklace owned by Zsa Zsa Gabor sold for more than $1 million dollars in 2017. Find the right Harry Winston necklace for you today on 1stDibs.
- Is Harry Winston a luxury brand?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024Yes, Harry Winston is a luxury brand. In fact, the jewelry maker is regarded as the "King of Diamonds" and the "Jeweler to the Stars." Its founder, Harry Winston, was one of the first to recognize the branding power of lending glitzy earrings, necklaces and other fine jewelry for red carpet events. Today, the brand continues to build on its heritage of producing luxurious pieces that feature high-quality gems and precious metals thanks to the work of skilled artisans in its New York City workshops. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of Harry Winston jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Harry Winston does indeed do custom jewelry. You can visit a Harry Winston salon to bring your dream ring to life. You can also shop a collection of Harry Winston jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023To identify Harry Winston jewelry, look for the maker's marks, which will usually appear on an interior surface on a ring or bracelet or on the back of a pendant or earrings. Authentic pieces typically bear either the initial HW inside of a large W or the name Winston. You should also see markings that represent the metal content. Stamps should be clear and easy to read. A certified appraiser or experienced jeweler can also assist with identifications. Shop a range of Harry Winston jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, Harry Winston does not make a standard line of men's jewelry. However, some of the brand's wedding bands are suitable for men. In addition, the jewelry maker sometimes joins forces with designers like Thom Browne to produce limited-edition men's collections. On 1stDibs, find a range of Harry Winston jewelry.