Henry Dunay is one of the finest goldsmiths and jewelry makers of the 20th century. The seasoned American designer has for decades created exquisite jewelry by hand that is characterized by bold proportions and precise craftsmanship. Dunay’s breathtaking brooches, bracelets, rings and other accessories have garnered worldwide renown and — on the secondary market — are being reappraised by collectors as icons of contemporary design.
Dunay was born Henry Loniewski in Jersey City, New Jersey, and apprenticed for a downtown New York City jeweler named Rudolph Cacioli in his early teens. He spent a little less than seven years working under Cacioli, and set off to open his own business in 1956. He took on his mother's maiden name Dunay, believing his family name would be an obstacle to his success. At first, Dunay secured work designing pieces for other jewelers, including Harry Winston, one of the first figures in the field to recognize the branding power of lending glitzy fine jewelry for red-carpet events. As his skill set broadened, Dunay began handcrafting his own designs and built a name for himself.
Dunay’s business exploded thanks to the publicity around the De Beers Diamonds International Award he won in 1967. From then on, his fame grew and demand increased for his unique adornments, which feature distinctive metal finishes as well as blue sapphires, pavé set diamonds and a range of other gems. Dunay went on to win more awards from De Beers Diamonds and a wealth of other national and international awards throughout his career.
Dunay garnered acclaim for a sophisticated engraved-surface technique he calls Sabi, which draws on the traditional Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, and iconic figures such as Elizabeth Taylor, Nancy Reagan and Princess Diana all wore his elegant pieces for public appearances. At the 2003 Academy Awards, many celebrities donned Dunay’s Dove of Peace pin, commissioned by Global Vision for Peace and inspired by the work of Pablo Picasso. The designer is a member of the Gemological Institute of America and a past president of the American Jewelry Design Council. In 2009, he sold his company and later established H.D.D., Inc.
Find vintage Henry Dunay necklaces, earrings and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
Henry Dunay Scalloped Clip-On Earrings, 1990s in 18k Yellow Gold
By Henry Dunay
Located in Palm Desert, CA
These Heavyweight Scalloped earrings by Henry Dunay exemplify his distinctive Wasabi finish, a signature surface treatment that celebrates organic texture and subtle imperfection. Cr...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Henry Dunay 18k Yellow Gold Large Hammered Finish Wide Cuff Omega Earrings
By Henry Dunay
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: 18K Solid Yellow Gold Weight: 38.8 Grams Backing: Posts w/ Omega Closures (pierced ears required) Width: 26.8mm (1") (approx.) (widest point) Height: 36.3mm (1.4") (approx....
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Henry Dunay Hammered Gold Drop Earrings
By Henry Dunay
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 18k yellow hammered gold drop earrings by Henry Dunay. Earrings measure 50mm x 20mm. Marked: 18k Dunay. Weight - 36.8 grams.
Gold
Henry Dunay 18k Yellow Gold Earrings
By Henry Dunay
Located in New York, NY
A refined pair of Henry Dunay 18k yellow gold earrings, showcasing the designer’s iconic sculptural elegance and masterful attention to surface texture. Each earring is expertly craf...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Henry Dunay Brushed Finish Gold Knot Earrings
By Henry Dunay
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 18k gold earrings by Henry Dunay, with signature recognizable brushed finish, alternating with high polish. The earrings measure 1.75" x 1". Hallmarked A9567, Dunay, 18k. Wei...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Henry Dunay 18k Yellow Gold Rope-Twist Hoop Earrings
By Henry Dunay
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Bold oval hoop earrings in 18k yellow gold by Henry Dunay, featuring a rope-twist design with a textured finish. Omega-style clip backs. Signed '© Dunay ® 18K'. Henry Dunay was an...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Henry Dunay Small Knot Earrings
By Henry Dunay
Located in Darnestown, MD
Henry Dunay 18 karat gold knot earrings that are typical of his design but smaller than his usual size. The earrings measure half an inch wide by 9/16 inch long. They are done with t...
18k Gold
Henry Dunay Hammered Gold Earrings
By Henry Dunay
Located in Darnestown, MD
Henry Dunay swirled, oval earrings in one of his favorite hammered gold finishes. The earrings are 3/4" wide and 1 " long. Perfect for either day or evening wear. Clip backs can be c...
Gold, 18k Gold
Henry Dunay Scalloped 18k Yellow Gold Doorknocker Omega Back Earrings
By Henry Dunay
Located in Towson, MD
Presenting a striking pair of Henry Dunay scalloped doorknocker earrings crafted in rich 18k yellow gold. These statement earrings showcase Dunay's signature sculptural elegance, fea...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Henry Dunay Yellow Gold Flame Texted Leaf Earrings
By Henry Dunay
Located in Stamford, CT
Henry Dunay 18k yellow gold flame leaf earrings. Henry Dunay is a world's premier jewelry designers, known for his famous Sabi textured styling which is a result of finely hand-etche...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Henry Dunay Hammered Yellow Gold Clip Post Earrings
By Henry Dunay
Located in Stamford, CT
Henry Dunay hammered 18k yellow gold clip post earrings. 18k Yellow Gold Stamped: 750 D E3426 D=Dunay 20.6 grams 7/8 x 7/8 inch
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
18k Yellow Gold Textured and Fluted Earclips by "Henry Dunay"
By Henry Dunay
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These exquisite 18K yellow gold earclips by renowned designer Henry Dunay showcase his iconic "Sabi" textured gold finish, a hallmark of his artistry. The elegant textured and fluted...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Henry Dunay Baroque Cultured Pearl & Diamond Earrings
Located in Houston, TX
These vintage estate drop earrings from Henry Dunay feature Baroque cultured pearls accented by approximately 0.32 carat total weight in natural diamonds. They are set in 18 karat ye...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Henry Dunay Sabi Platinum and 18K Gold Earrings
By Henry Dunay
Located in New York, NY
Henry Dunay Knot 'Sabi' Earrings in 18K Gold and Platinum The knot motif earrings in textured 'Sabi' finish, in 18K yellow gold and platinum. Signed Dunay for Henry Dunay, with omega...
Henry Dunay 18K Hammered Gold Knot Earrings
By Henry Dunay
Located in Chicago, IL
These 18 karat gold earclips by Henry Dunay are a classic! In a knot motif design and hammered finish, these are perfect for everyday wear. Stamp: Dunay 18K Gross weight: 26.70 gra...
Gold, 18k Gold
1990s, Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Quilted Cushion Clip on Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
1990s Chic quilted cushion trillion design clip-on earrings, with a luxurious high polished finish. Crafted in solid 18K Yellow Gold, Complimenting th...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Henry Dunay 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Earrings
By Henry Dunay
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Set in polished 18K Yellow Gold these pair of Henry Dunay earrings are beautiful with 5.00 cts set in diamonds. Both earrings weigh a total of 50.61 grams. 1.50 x 0.89 wide
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Henry Dunay 18K Gold Textured Earring
By Henry Dunay
Located in Flushing, NY
Henry Dunay 18K Gold Textured Earring Marked： Dunay 18K 750 Approximate Dimensions: 2.8 cm (Length) 2 cm (Width) 39.9 grams in weight.
Gold, 18k Gold
Henry Dunay Textured 18k Yellow Gold Circle Link Earrings
By Henry Dunay
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Henry Dunay 18k yellow gold earrings, each designed as three graduated hammered gold interlocking triple circle links. Stamped with maker's mark for Henry Dunay, "750" and "A6103". ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Henry Dunay Hammered Yellow Gold Earrings
By Henry Dunay
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Hammered Gold By Henry Dunay. Details: Measurements: 18.5mm x 21mm Weight: 17.6 grams Stamped Hallmarks: 18k Dunay YOUR PRICE: $3,500 Ti806mmld
Yellow Gold
Henry Dunay 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
By Henry Dunay
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 18 karat yellow gold earrings. Henry Dunay. Designed as three graduated hammered gold links. Length is approximately 2 inches, gross weight is approximately 52.5 grams., St...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Henry Dunay Tangerine Moonstone and Diamond Earrings and a Brooch Set
By Henry Dunay
Located in New York, NY
Tangerine moonstone, diamond, cultured pearl and 18k yellow gold brooch and drop earrings set by Henry Dunay. Brooch crafted in 18k yellow gold, and pave set with 1.70ct. round bril...
Diamond, Moonstone
Classic Henry Dunay Gold Earrings, circa 1970
By Henry Dunay
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Henry Dunay, American. These versatile gold earrings by Henry Dunay have that stylishly bold seventies vibe. Mixing textured and polished gold surfaces and topped ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Henry Dunay Hammered Finish Gold Earrings
By Henry Dunay
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
A timeless design by Henry Dunay. These are a hammered finish 18k yellow gold clip and post earring. Signed "Dunay 18K" At the age of 14, Dunay began his career working as a mes...
18k Gold
Henry Dunay Hammered Gold Earrings
By Henry Dunay
Located in Darnestown, MD
Eighteen karat gold earrings by Henry Dunay in the hammered gold finish for which he is so well known. Measure 1 1/2 inches long and 1 inch wide. Omega backs. Excellent condition.