Among the famed gemstones that Harry Winston (1896–1978) encountered over the course of his career was the Hope diamond, which he donated to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958. Today, Winston 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’s father had immigrated to New York from Ukraine and ran a small jewelry shop where a young Harry learned about precious stones, enough, the story goes, to identify a real emerald in a heap of pawnshop jewelry at the age of 12. His early success involved turning that eye to estate sale collections that he transformed by freeing gemstones from dated ornamentation, giving them new cuts and modern settings. He opened Harry Winston Inc. in 1932, where he influenced 20th-century-jewelry trends by always elevating the stones rather than adding the lavish decorations that had pervaded jewelry in the 19th century.
The first of the celebrated diamonds to be purchased by Winston was the 726-carat uncut Jonker, acquired in 1935. Many others followed, including the 726.60-carat Vargas from Brazil which, in 1938, he tracked down across multiple continents after he read a brief newspaper notice about its discovery. The rarity and beauty of the gemstones he pursued and presented in his boutiques made the Winston brand synonymous with excellence.
Winston was also a pioneer of marketing as the first jeweler to dress an Academy Awards nominee when he loaned some diamond jewelry to Jennifer Jones for the 1944 Oscar ceremony. 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. His storied past and long legacy is continued by the House of Harry Winston and its salons in Japan, the United Kingdom and elsewhere.
On 1stDibs, find a stunning collection of Harry Winston jewelry that includes bracelets, wedding rings, engagement rings and other accessories.
Harry Winston Jacques Timey Vintage Sapphire Diamond Bib Necklace
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Gemstone Details: 19 Sugarloaf Burma No Heat sapphires Total Weight: 135-145 carats Origin: Burma Certification: SSEF Diamonds: Total Weight: 45-50 carats Color/Clarity: G-H/VS Metal...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Harry Winston 47.48ct Diamond Necklace in Platinum, Circa 1952
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight:47.48 cts. Color/Clarity: G-I, VS Certifications: Harry Winston Papers Size: 38.0 cm Creator: Harry Winston Metal: Platinum Weight: 61.10 grams Period: 1952 Condition: P...
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston 44.50ct Round Diamond Platinum Necklace, Signed Jacques Timey
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: 44.50 cts. Color/Clarity: F-H VS Certifications: HW papers Size: 16.75 inches Creator: Harry Winston Metal: Platinum Weight: 68.89 grams Period: 1980s Condition: Used -...
Diamond, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels 1965 Convertible Necklace, Bracelet & Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Sapphires approx. 67.00 cts. & Diamonds approx. 125.00 cts. Color/Clarity: NH Blue Sapphires / F-G VVS-VS Size: Necklace 19 in. (Convertible to 6.75 in. Bracelet) / Bro...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Mouawad Platinum Sapphire & Baguette Diamond Parure, 5 Pieces
By Mouawad
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Sapphires (Necklace - 18.97 cts, Bracelet - 12.86 cts, Ring - 20.91 cts, Earrings - 9.41 cts); Baguette Diamonds (Totaling 138.84 carats) Color/Clarity: Sapphires (No H...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Spectra Fine Jewelry 130.26 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Tennis Necklace
By Spectra Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Presenting a sophisticated statement piece: the Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Tennis Necklace crafted from exquisite natural sapphires and diamonds, set in lustrous 18k white gold. Featuri...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Luxury 18k White Gold Statement Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Necklace, 82.58 Carats
Located in Great Neck, NY
A jewel of distinction and grandeur, this 18K solid white gold sapphire and diamond necklace captures the very essence of high jewelry. Designed in a Winston-inspired style, it radia...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Natural Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Necklace, 31.59Ct, 19.86Ct Diamonds, 18K White
Located in Great Neck, NY
31.59Ct Natural Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Necklace 18K White Gold 19.86Ct Diamonds 31.59 Carat Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Necklace in 18K White Gold, featuring an extraordinary colle...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White G...
Important Natural 23 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Necklace 1950s Provenance
Located in Lisbon, PT
Important one-of-a-kind 23-carat Ceylon natural no-heat sapphire and diamond convertible necklace/brooch in platinum and White gold, Portuguese, circa 1957, crafted for an occasion graced by Queen Elizabeth II during her royal visit to Lisbon, accompanied by a custom-fitted case. This exceptional and singular vintage jewel hails from the 1950s, an era of unrivaled elegance and exquisite craftsmanship. It boasts a transformative centerpiece crafted as a convertible necklace-brooch of unparalleled artistry. At its heart lies a resplendent round-shape natural Ceylon sapphire, a dazzling gem of remarkable rarity, weighing a remarkable 23.01 carats. The centerpiece is an exquisite focal point, a dazzling spectacle adorned with a stylized floral cluster delicately adorned with round brilliant-cut and marquise brilliant-cut diamonds, further accentuated by smaller oval-shape sapphires. This captivating cluster extends gracefully on either side, adorned with delicate swags of alternating marquise brilliant-cut diamonds and oval-shape sapphires, culminating in a sublime sapphire and diamond cluster terminal, which transitions seamlessly into an articulated link necklace meticulously set with diamonds throughout. The versatility of this Mid-Century jewel is underscored by its capability to transform into a striking brooch, secured with a click-shut and safety catch fitting, further augmented by a hinged pin brooch fitting. The exceptional 23-carat Ceylon sapphire stands as a testament to its rarity. Natural, non-heated sapphires of this caliber, especially surpassing 5 carats, are extraordinarily rare and highly sought-after, adding unparalleled allure and value to this piece. This remarkable jewel's historical provenance is steeped in significance, commissioned to Casa Branca de Brito jewelers by a distinguished Portuguese Lady...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold
Vintage 13.50 Carat Ceylon Sapphire and 3.27 Carat Diamond Platinum Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 13.50 carat Ceylon blue sapphire and 3.27 carat diamond, platinum necklace; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. This stunning vintage sapphire...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Gregg Ruth 18 Karat White Gold 17.90 Sapphire, 14.40 Total Diamond Necklace
By Gregg Ruth
Located in Chicago, IL
Gregg Ruth Important Precious Color collection Sapphire and diamond necklace. Gregg Ruth Style number CF0410AWCHDS001. Curent Retail $86,320
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
58.9 Total Carat Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Necklace
By SEAWAVEDIAMONDS
Located in New York, NY
This collar necklace is the definition of regality. It is designed to dazzle when laid on the décolletage of a woman. Delicate yet bold, elegant and sophisticated, it screams royalty...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold
From Elizabeth Taylor to Zendaya, the Serpenti has been the accessory of choice for generations of it girls.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
