HARRY WINSTON Diamond Wedding Band

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.

Michael Kanners is a third generation jeweler, and throughout the three generations the Kanners family has been known for integrity and superior quality. This is as true of the gems and jewelry as it is of the service. Each and every piece is special and represents a distinct level of craftsmanship and unique design. Where applicable, full certification by the most reputable gemological laboratories is included. Sizing of rings, adjustments, repairs and detailed appraisals are all offered. A large component of Michael's work is the creation of custom designs. These include all types of women's jewels as well as the now famous cufflinks. No request is too large or too small, thanks to Michael's extensive worldwide network of stone dealers, lapidaries and the finest workshops. Don't hesitate to ask, as Michael has become the go to jeweler for a select group of in the know collectors and connoisseurs. Your trust is greatly appreciated and all transactions are handled personally to your complete satisfaction through the 1stdibs guarantee. All inquiries are welcome and are answered immediately regardless of your questions or thoughts. Delivery is overnight to insure the most precise timing, and the finest quality Italian jewelry cases are included.