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.
$11,960Sale Price|20% Off
Henry Dunay 18k Gold South Sea Pearl Diamond Sabi Ring
By Henry Dunay
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Henry Dunay South Sea pearl and diamond ring with the 'Sabi' finish. Set with one South Sea cultured pearl measuring 13.25mm. One side of the mounting is pave-set with 68 round bri...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Henry Dunay 18K Yellow Gold Hand-Hammered Dome Ring 1980's USA
By Henry Dunay
Located in North Miami, FL
This gorgeous and bold hallmarked Henry Dunay 18K gold ring is all hand hammered yellow gold. There is a plaque on the inside of the ring that states Dunay 18K. He is a well know and respected NYC...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond Dome Right Hand Ring
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Preowned 18K yellow gold and platinum diamond dome ring The yellow gold body is inset with a platinum plate, pave set with 68 round single cut diamonds with an approximate total weig...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold South Sea Pearl and Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 14k yellow gold South Sea Pearl and Diamonds Ring. *Motivated to Sell - Please make a Fair Offer* Specifications: main stone: 11.50 mm South Sea Pearl diamonds: 24 r...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian South Sea Pearl, Seed Pearl and Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Melbourne, AU
A 12.5 mm white Australian south sea pearl, seed pearl and diamond ring in 18k white gold. The white south sea pearl is surrounded by 12 seed pearls and 12 diamonds. It is a classica...
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring Leaves Circa 1970
Located in Berkeley, CA
This stunning south sea pearl ring is magical. The leaves incorporating diamonds beautifully frame the luster of these dreamy blue pearls. They float in a sea of gold and diamond kel...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold
Henry Dunay Cabochon Cat's Eye Sillimanite and Diamond Dome Ring 18 Karat
By Henry Dunay
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This absolutely gorgeous contemporary cat's eye sillimanite and diamond dome ring made by Henry Dunay will be you new signature piece. Adorn your finger with this stunning cabochon c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hammered Finish 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This lustrous 18K yellow gold ring, crafted in the iconic Henry Dunay style, showcases a hammered texture with a high-polish finish that captures light beautifully. Designed in a sub...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Baguette Cut Diamond Cluster Dome Ring in 18k White Gold
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Baguette-cut natural diamond cluster dome ring set in a smooth 18 karat solid white gold setting. Gallery back setting for a comfortable and ...
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Persian Turquoise Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
This stunning turquoise dome ring expertly crafted in 18K yellow gold with a cluster of cabochon Persian turquoises set in a bold bombe design, the ring showcases sculptural gold acc...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Yoko London South Sea Pearl and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
This intricate ring by Yoko London features a high-quality South Sea pearl set amongst scintillating diamond ribbons. Unique and striking, this exceptio...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold...
Henry Dunay Pearl Diamond Sabi Ring
By Henry Dunay
Located in Dallas, TX
White South Sea Pearl (16 mm) Round brilliant cut pave set diamonds weighing 1.60 carats, F-G color and VVS1-VVS2 clarity 18K Yellow Gold Weight approximately 20 Grams Ring size 6.5
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
$4,424Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Solid Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring, Statement Emerald Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Diamond and Emerald Statement Ring Set in 18K Gold featuring natural emerald of 5.32 carats and diamonds of 1.51 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. Emerald ...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
18k Yellow Gold Vintage Dome Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The 18k Yellow Gold Vintage Dome Ring is a stunning monochrome statement piece that effortlessly blends classic and contemporary design elements. The dome features an intricate scale and rope striped pattern, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Its bold yet elegant design makes it a versatile accessory, perfect for both day and night. This ring can be styled with other luxurious designer items for a cohesive and sophisticated look. Pair it with a Hermès Birkin bag and a pair of Christian Louboutin heels for a chic daytime ensemble. For evening wear, complement it with a sleek Chanel black dress and a pair of Jimmy Choo stilettos...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Henry Dunay, Diamond & 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Henry Dunay
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This diamond ring was made by famed American jeweller Henry Dunay from 18 karat yellow gold. The dress ring features a quintessential Dunay characte...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Henry Dunay Diamond Gold Platinum Ring Band
By Henry Dunay
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Henry Dunay diamond gold and platinum ring band circa 2000. The design is full to capacity with an abundance of color, patterns and textures tingled...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Henry Dunay Colossal Turquoise Garnet Diamond Ring
By Henry Dunay
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Giant and impressive, with a gorgeous and unusual combination of gemstones, this Henry Dunay ring is a head-turner! A 15 x 19mm turquoise cabochon tops the tiered design, with 1 cara...
Diamond, Garnet, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold