Harry Winston was an American jeweler and founder of the Harry Winston Inc., one of the most renowned and prestigious jewelry companies in the world. Winston was born in 1896 in New York City, and at the age of 12, he started working in his father's jewelry store.
Harry Winston did get his start in the antique jewelry business. In the early 1900s, his father, Jacob Winston, operated a small jewelry store in New York City that sold antique jewelry pieces. Harry Winston began working in his father's store as a teenager, and he developed a keen eye for fine gems and rare pieces.
In the 1920s, Winston founded his own jewelry company and began focusing on creating exquisite pieces that showcased the beauty of the world's rarest and most valuable gemstones. Winston's workmanship was characterized by a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. He was known for his ability to recognize the potential of a rough stone and transform it into a stunning piece of jewelry.
One of Winston's most famous works is the Hope Diamond, which he purchased in 1949. The 45.52-carat blue diamond had a fascinating history, having been owned by several European monarchs before being acquired by Winston. He donated the diamond to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958, where it remains on display to this day.
Another famous work by Winston is the Taylor-Burton Diamond, a 69.42-carat pear-shaped diamond that he purchased in 1969. The diamond was originally owned by actor Richard Burton and was later acquired by Winston, who had it set in a necklace for his wife. The necklace was later sold to raise money for charity.
Harry Winston is known for creating some of the world's most exquisite and iconic jewelry pieces. Here are a few of his most famous works:
The Hope Diamond: Harry Winston acquired this 45.52-carat blue diamond in 1949 and donated it to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958, where it remains one of the museum's most popular exhibits.
The Winston Cluster: This stunning necklace features 24 pear-shaped diamonds, weighing a total of 60 carats, set in a floral pattern. Actress Jennifer Lopez famously wore the necklace to the 2002 Academy Awards.
The Taylor-Burton Diamond: Harry Winston purchased this 68-carat diamond and recut it to 69.42 carats for actress Elizabeth Taylor, who wore it as a necklace. The diamond was later sold at auction for over $1 million.
The Lesotho Promise: This 603-carat diamond was discovered in Lesotho in 2006 and was acquired by Harry Winston. It was cut into 26 smaller diamonds, the largest of which is a 76.41-carat pear-shaped diamond.
The Diamond Drop Earrings: These iconic earrings feature two pear-shaped diamonds weighing over 60 carats each, suspended from diamond-studded hoops.
These are just a few of Harry Winston's most famous works, but his legacy of exquisite design and unparalleled craftsmanship continues to inspire and influence the world of luxury jewelry today.
Harry Winston is also known for creating some of the most stunning jewelry pieces featuring rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. Here are a few examples of his famous works featuring these gemstones:
The Star of Bombay: This 182-carat star sapphire was acquired by Harry Winston and was later gifted to the Smithsonian Institution. The stone is named after the city of Bombay (now Mumbai), where it was mined.
The Hooker Emerald: This 75.47-carat emerald was acquired by Harry Winston in 1955 and was set into a brooch that was gifted to the Smithsonian Institution.
The Winston Flame: This stunning necklace features a 60-carat Burmese ruby suspended from a diamond-studded chain. It is one of the most iconic pieces in the Harry Winston collection.
The Portuguese Diamond Tiara: This tiara features a stunning array of diamonds, including a 63.5-carat emerald-cut diamond and two pear-shaped diamonds weighing over 10 carats each.
The Rockefeller Sapphire: This 62.02-carat sapphire was acquired by Harry Winston and was later donated to the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
Harry Winston’s passion for fine gems and his exquisite design sense continue to inspire and influence the world of luxury jewelry today.
Harry Winston's legacy in the jewelry industry continues today, with Harry Winston Inc. still producing some of the world's most exquisite and sought-after jewelry. The company is known for its use of exceptional gemstones and innovative designs that showcase the beauty of these rare and valuable stones.