Harry Winston Engagement Rings
Often heralded as the “Jeweler to the Stars,” as one of the first to recognize the branding power of lending glitzy pieces of fine jewelry for red-carpet events, Harry Winston is known for his eye for fine gemstones. It’s a reputation that extends to the celebrated engagement rings that have long emerged from his international salons.
At the end of the Great Depression, De Beers Consolidated Mines had been focusing their marketing efforts on generating consumer demand for diamonds. So they contracted the Philadelphia agency N.W. Ayer & Son to build an advertising campaign that emphasized a tangible connection between diamonds and romance.
At the time, diamonds were considered a luxury purchase and people were generally disinterested in them anyway, but with the support of N.W. Ayer’s laser-focused print and radio strategy — and later, its “A diamond is forever” tagline — young men across the United States soon became convinced that diamond engagement rings were critical to a successful courtship. For women meanwhile, the link between diamonds and the emotional bond of marriage had been solidified. Diamond sales skyrocketed, and De Beers was successful in ultimately rendering diamonds a must-have for Americans considering popping the question.
Today, the appeal of vintage engagement rings especially endures with millennials looking for something unconventional to symbolize their love. (A range of buying guides can be found on 1stDibs for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.)
Harry Winston had already garnered acclaim for his talents by the time the diamond engagement ring had taken center stage thanks to De Beers’s changing social attitudes about the precious stone. He opened Harry Winston Inc. in 1932 and acquired the 726-carat uncut Jonker diamond in 1935. In 1944, he became the first jeweler to dress an Oscar nominee when he loaned diamond jewelry to Jennifer Jones for the Academy Awards ceremony.
Harry Winston is still favored by celebrities and influencers and is among the big names in jewelry that remain go-to sources for quality classic and contemporary engagement rings. Ben Affleck proposed to Jennifer Lopez with a 6.10-carat radiant-cut pink diamond engagement ring from the brand in 2002, spurring an interest in fancy-colored diamonds.
Winston is said to have favored emerald-cut diamonds because of how the wide facets generously flatter the stone, prioritizing its clarity in a classic platinum ring setting. On 1stDibs, browse stunning Harry Winston engagement rings by stone, stone cut and more.
2010s American Contemporary Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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2010s American Contemporary Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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1990s American Modern Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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2010s American Modern Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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Early 2000s American Contemporary Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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1960s American Modern Vintage Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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2010s American Contemporary Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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2010s American Contemporary Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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2010s American Modern Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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21st Century and Contemporary American Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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2010s Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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2010s American Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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21st Century and Contemporary Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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21st Century and Contemporary Modern Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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Early 2000s American Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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1990s American Modern Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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21st Century and Contemporary Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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21st Century and Contemporary Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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Early 2000s American Contemporary Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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Early 2000s Modern Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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21st Century and Contemporary Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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21st Century and Contemporary Modern Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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1990s American Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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Late 20th Century Art Deco Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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Late 20th Century Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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21st Century and Contemporary Modern Harry Winston Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Harry Winston Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
2010s Harry Winston Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Late 20th Century American Contemporary Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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1970s Vintage Harry Winston Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1980s Unknown Vintage Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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2010s American Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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21st Century and Contemporary American Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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21st Century and Contemporary Modern Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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21st Century and Contemporary Modern Harry Winston Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Harry Winston Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Harry Winston Engagement Rings
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Shop Antique, New and Vintage Engagement Rings on 1stDibs
Shopping for the right antique, new or vintage engagement ring can prove daunting. Whether you’re looking for that perfect Art Deco engagement ring, an antique Edwardian period engagement ring or a fashionable contemporary alternative, it’s important to choose a style that speaks to you.
Rings have long been signifiers of marriage and committed relationships. The modern diamond engagement ring can be traced back to 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria commissioned an expensive diamond ring for his betrothed. Diamond rings subsequently became extremely popular among the European aristocracy. Later, during the Victorian era, the popularity of diamond engagement rings had filtered down to the middle class, owing to the increasing accessibility — and affordability — of gold and diamonds.
Authentic antique Victorian-era engagement rings were frequently set in rose or yellow gold and they are highly collectible. Designs for Victorian engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal. Diamonds were likely to be small rose- or old-mine-cut (the ancestor of today’s cushion-cut) stones. The former are often associated with antique styles like Victorian or Georgian, as rose-cut diamonds are uncommon in modern jewelry. The diamonds were typically set in a group of five in a band or as a solitaire.
Victorian-era engagement rings also saw other gemstones accompanying diamonds. Small seed pearls and moonstones were popular. Other sentimental and romantic motifs such as hearts and stars took hold as well. When Prince Albert became engaged to Queen Victoria, he gave her a serpent ring with emerald eyes, her birthstone. This initiated a widespread craze for snake jewelry.
In 1886, esteemed American luxury firm Tiffany & Co. introduced its solitaire diamond design, which is still among the most popular styles of engagement rings. The Tiffany Setting raises the stone above the band on six prongs, allowing its facets to catch the light and reflect through the stone.
French jewelry house Cartier, which pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry and helped define Art Deco, sought to render the diamonds in their engagement rings and other rings as brilliantly as possible. The brand’s timeless Solitaire 1895 engagement ring gave the impression of delicate lace.
Edwardian and, afterward, Art Deco engagement rings that followed in the wake of Queen Victoria’s death in 1901 would be characterized by complex geometric designs and platinum settings. Owing to the Art Nouveau movement, nature was a major theme for Edwardian jewelry, while the diamond ring designs of the Art Deco period were inspired by Cubism as well as ancient Egypt. Art Deco engagement rings are bold and colorful and feature gems cut in nontraditional ways.
Engagement rings designed during World War II were made from two-toned metals and smaller stones. Large stones were scarce, and platinum was reserved for the military. Postwar engagement rings were intended to be simpler and focused on the beauty of the diamond. In 1947, De Beers Consolidated Mines, with the support of Philadelphia ad agency N.W. Ayer & Son, introduced the slogan “A diamond is forever” in a marketing campaign that emphasized a connection between diamonds and romance. Diamond sales skyrocketed, and diamond engagement rings became intertwined with the post–World War II marriage boom, which coincided with the ascension of specific diamond cuts.
The round brilliant cut, which consists of an astounding 58 facets, continues to be the most popular cut to this day. Jewelers such as Harry Winston had already gained a reputation for his talents by the time the De Beers campaign debuted, and he is said to have favored emerald-cut diamonds.
For everything from understanding the 4Cs to choosing between antique, vintage, contemporary and custom styles, get expert tips to help you find just the right ring. Additionally, explore our buying guides for a close look at antique engagement rings, Art Deco engagement rings and vintage engagement rings.
When you’re ready to mark your momentous occasion, find a vast collection of engagement rings on 1stDibs.
Creators Similar to Harry Winston
- 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.
- 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 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 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.
- Is Harry Winston a good watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024Many watch lovers believe that Harry Winston is a good watch. The luxury jewelry maker's watches boast fine materials, such as platinum, genuine diamonds and 18-karat yellow, white and rose gold, as well as premium movements. In fact, members of the British royal family have commissioned Harry Winston to create one-of-a-kind timepieces due to the company's exceptional reputation and the quality of its pieces. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Harry Winston jewelry and watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024Yes, a Harry Winston is a real diamond, if it is a piece of diamond jewelry. The luxury jewelry maker only uses natural diamonds in its diamond pieces. Harry Winston is regarded as the “King of Diamonds” and the “Jeweler to the Stars,” as he is considered one of the first to recognize the branding power of lending glitzy earrings, necklaces and other fine jewelry for red-carpet events. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Harry Winston diamond jewelry.
- 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 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024No one can say for certain how much the pink diamond ring by Harry Winston is worth today. However, in 2018, the ring bearing the 18.96-carat pink diamond sold for $50.3 million at auction. At the time, the sale established a new record per carat selling price for pink diamonds. Called the Winston Pink Legacy, the gemstone was only the fourth fancy pink diamond ever to be auctioned by the luxury jewelry maker. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of Harry Winston jewelry.