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 GIA Certified 8.54 Carat Marquise Diamond Three Stone Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional ring is a masterclass in timeless elegance and world-class craftsmanship, handcrafted and signed by the legendary house of Harry Winston. Set in luminous platinum, t...
Diamond, Platinum
$169,600Sale Price|20% Off
Harry Winston 5.7 Carat Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum
By Harry Winston
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare and iconic Harry Winston diamond engagement ring showcasing a magnificent 5.17 carat Natural Marquise Brilliant Cut diamond accented by tapered baguette side stones, all metic...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
$46,800Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Harry Winston 2.66 CT Old European Marquise Cut Diamond
By Harry Winston
Located in Chicago, IL
An extraordinary and exceptionally rare vintage Harry Winston engagement ring, handcrafted in the 1960s by renowned master jeweler Jacques Timey. This elegant platinum solitaire show...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
$35,200Sale Price|20% Off
Harry Winston Diamond Three-Stone Platinum Ring – GIA Certified
By Harry Winston
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and timeless three-stone diamond ring by Harry Winston, crafted in luxurious platinum and centered around a stunning natural round brilliant cut diamond weighing approxima...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
HARRY WINSTON Diamond 1.01ct F-VS2-3Ex Platinum Brilliant Love Ring US 3 3/4
By Harry Winston
Located in Tokyo, JP
■ Item Number: 25060201 ■ Brand: HARRY WINSTON ■ Product Name: Brilliant Love Ring ■ Reference Number: - ■ Material: 1.01ct Diamond (F-VS2-3Ex) / ...
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston .56 Carat VVS1/F Diamond Solitaire Platinum Engagement Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum .56ct Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring by Harry Winston. With 1 round brilliant cut diamond VVS1 clarity F color. Cut, Polish, Symmetry Excellent Fluorescence NONE This ri...
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston GIA 2.16 Carat E VVS2 Round Brilliant Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
This Harry Winston platinum solitaire ring is a remarkable example of the legendary craftsmanship and timeless elegance that have defined one of the world's most prestigious jewelry ...
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston Platinum 4.05 cts Diamond Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Harry Winston platinum RBC diamond engagement ring with GIA certificate center diamond 4.05 cts E color SI1, with 2 heart shape diamond approx 1...
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston 0.75 Carat Diamond F-VVS2-3Ex Platinum Brilliant Love Ring US4 1/4
By Harry Winston
Located in Tokyo, JP
■ Item Number: 22270404 ■ Brand: HARRY WINSTON ■ Product Name: Brilliant Love Ring ■ Reference Number: - ■ Material: 0.75ct Diamond (F-VVS2-3Ex) / 20P Side Diamonds / PT950 Platinum ■ Weight: Approximately 4.0 grams ■ Ring Size: JP 7 / EU 47 / US 4.25 (Approx.) ■ Band Width: Approximately 2.24 mm / 0.08 inches ■ Main Stone Size: 5.77-5.80×3.61mm ■ Retail Price: - ■ Accessories: ・Harry Winston Box...
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston Tryst 0.80ct F-VS1-3Ex Diamond Engagement Ring in Pt950 – US 3 3/4
By Harry Winston
Located in Tokyo, JP
■ Item Number: 30801105 ■ Retail Price: - ■ Brand: HARRY WINSTON ■ Product Name: Tryst, Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring ■ Reference Number: - ■ Material: 1P Main Diamond (D0.80ct F-VS1-3Ex) / 4P Side Diamonds / PT950 Platinum ■ Weight: Approximately 3.7 grams ■ Ring Size: Approximately 6.5 (Japan size) / EU: 46.5 / USA: 3.75 (Approx.) ■ Width: Approximately 1.72-2.30mm / 0.06-0.09in (Approx.) ■ Top Size: - ■ Main Stone Size: Approximately 5.91-5.95 × 3.68mm / 0.23-0.23 × 0.14in (Approx.) ■ Accessories: ・Harry Winston Box...
Diamond, Platinum
