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.
Harry Winston Jewellery Leather Travel Pouch
By Harry Winston
Located in Braintree, GB
Harry Winston Jewellery Leather Travel Pouch. Period: Late 20th century Material: Blue leather exterior with soft fabric interior Purpose: Travel-friendly storage for rings or othe...
Leather
Highclere Castle Jewellery Box
By LINLEY London
Located in London, GB
Over the years, British design company Linley has developed expertise in creating scaled versions of famous architectural buildings including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Opera House. In this instance, Highclere Castle...
Maple
$3,613
H 7.09 in W 16.54 in D 10.04 in
Antique 20thC Solid Silver & Burgundy Leather Three Tier Jewellery Box c.1920
By Adie Brothers
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique early 20th Century British burgundy leather-bound jewellery box with decorative silver-gilt mounts, cast escutcheon and lion mask handles. It features a working lock and a ke...
Gold Plate, Silver
$847 / item
H 3.94 in W 7.49 in D 11.42 in
21st Century Prestige Jewellery Box with Leather &Suede Handcrafed in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Turning elegance in a modern way. That's what Pinetti did with the Prestige jewellery box. Available in 3 different sizes, our unmistakable lea...
Metal
$3,300
H 4.13 in W 10.13 in D 9.5 in
Antique 20th Century Leather Travel Case For Jewellery Circa 1930
Located in London, GB
An Antique 20th Century Leather Travel Case For Jewellery, Circa 1930. This piece appears to be in unused condition, the exterior crocodile skin retains its original patina through...
Leather
British Campaign Royalty Leather Traveling Trunk, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
British Campaign water proof leather traveling trunk with leather fitted interior compartment, brass banding mounts, Royal coat of arms brass plate, brass side handles, and retains t...
$3,620
H 7.09 in W 12.01 in D 9.26 in
Antique Travelling Vanity Case, English, Coromandel, Jewellery Box, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique travelling vanity case. An English, coromandel jewellery box, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Striking...
Glass, Wood
$1,672
H 7.09 in W 16.93 in D 13.78 in
Antique Travelling Vanity Case, English, Leather, Silver, Dressing Table Box
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique travelling vanity case. An English, leather and silver dressing table box with fitted interior, dating to the early 20th ...
Leather
Regency Rosewood Jewellery Work Box
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Stunning Quality Late Regency Period, 19th Century, Rosewood And Brass Inlaid Work Box, Stationary Box, Or Jewellery Box, Having Exceptional Decoration Throughout With Hinged Lid Enclosing Document Flap And Removable Tray Of Various Compartments Concealing Large Storage Cavity Below, Flanked By Original Brass Handles, Raised On Original Carved, Turned Feet. Bearing A Makers Label For - "R.Dalton, The Bazaar, Soho Square...
Rosewood
$710
H 12 in W 20 in D 13 in
Antique Chinese Lacquered Flip-Up Travel Shaving Jewellery Box Vanity Mirror
Located in Wembley, GB
Antique Chinese Lacquered Flip-Up Travel Shaving Jewelry Box Vanity Mirror Vintage Wooden Jewellery Box & Mirror Decorative Box & Lid Hand P...
Metal
20th Century Leather Jewellery Box, c.1920
By Joseph Bramah
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique early 20th Century leather bound jewellery box. This charming box features a brass plaque and a round escutcheon plate. The interior includes two removable velvet lined trays...
Brass
$2,995 / item
H 6 in W 18.5 in D 10.2 in
Traveling Jewelry Case in Shagreen Brass w/Leather Handles by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. As an ode to vintage steamer trunks...
Brass
Late 17th Century Leather And Brass Travelling Box
Located in Benington, Herts
A very fine and interesting late 17th century English work box or travelling case English Circa 1680 Of conventional form with slightly domed lid, this piece has acquired a magnifi...
Brass