Harry Winston: Jeweler to the Stars

Founder of Harry Winston, Inc., famous American jeweler Harry Winston left his impression on the jewelry industry with his love for diamonds and other gemstones. Harry Winston’s collections, both antique and newer styles, are staples in many jewelry enthusiasts’ collections.

Are you looking to consign or buy Harry Winston jewelry? Or are you interested in learning more about your collectibles? Here, you’ll discover more about Harry Winston, his life full of diamonds, and why people call him the “King of Diamonds.”

Who Is Harry Winston?

Harry Winston was a well-loved jeweler, businessman and philanthropist. Today, he is widely known as the “King of Diamonds” and “Jeweler to the Stars” for his many accomplishments as a jeweler.

In 1932, Winston founded Harry Winston, Inc. Today, Harry Winston, Inc., serves the elite globally throughout locations like New York City, London, Paris, Geneva, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Born in 1896, Winston began his journey as a jeweler as a young boy. His father, who immigrated to the United States from Ukraine, owned a small jewelry business that Winston happily worked in. There is a famous story in which Winston, at only 12 years old, identified a 2-carat emerald at a pawn shop which he bought for $0.25 and sold for $800 two days later.

As an adult and businessman, Winston branded himself with his adoration of gemstones. In the 1940s, he revolutionized the jewelry industry with his innovative clustering technique. The technique celebrated the stones rather than the metal setting, maximizing the appeal of every piece. The resulting jewelry exuded life with three-dimensional designs.

Vintage Harry Winston Diamond Earrings - Fortuna Important Jewels Auction
Vintage Harry Winston Cluster Diamond Earrings (Achieved $287,500 at FORTUNA’s 2019 Important Jewels auction)

In the same decade, Winston earned the title of “Jeweler to the Stars.” He was the first jeweler to lend diamonds to an Academy Awards actress, Jennifer Jones, who won Best Actress in 1944. Winston dressed royalty, too, selling the Duke and Duchess of Windsor his famed McLean Diamond.

By the end of his life in 1978, Winston owned the second largest collection of historical jewels, second to the British royal family. Harry Winston, Inc. lives on and follows Winston’s lifelong style and values.

What Are Some of Harry Winston’s Most Famous Pieces?

Every Harry Winston piece is sought after for unique angles, intriguing dimensions and organic shapes. But some of the most famous stones in the Winston collection are:

Jonker

The Jonker was a raw diamond found in South Africa in 1934. At the time, the Jonker was the fourth-largest uncut gem ever found, measuring 726 carats. News of the diamond excited the nation. And, naturally, Winston strived to add this raw diamond to his collection.

Winston bought the diamond in 1935. He spent several months debating on the perfect way to cut the stone. Ultimately, the raw diamond was cut into 13 pieces, the largest called Jonker I—a 125.35-carat, emerald-shaped diamond.

Hope Diamond

The Hope Diamond is one of the most recognized diamonds in the world. It was found in India, dating back over four centuries. The first trade record dates back to 1666 when purchased by a French gem merchant. From there, the diamond met many owners, including King Louis XIV, Marie Antoinette and Lord Henry Hope.

In 1949, Winston obtained the diamond from mining heiress Evalyn Walsh McLean’s estate. After a decade, Winston donated the Hope Diamond as a “gift to the world” to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. You can see the Hope Diamond for yourself, as it still rests in the Smithsonian today.

President Vargas

The Vargas, a 726.6-carat raw diamond, was discovered in Brazil in 1938. The raw diamond was named after Getúlio Vargas, the president of Brazil at the time. Winston obtained the diamond and cut it into 29 smaller diamonds, including a 48.26-carat, emerald-cut diamond, named President Vargas.

Get Started at FORTUNA® Today

Once you’re ready to buy or sell an alluring Harry Winston piece, contact FORTUNA. We will walk you through both processes and find a solution that works best for you. Learn more by contacting us online or by giving us a call at 212-389-9040.