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 4.50 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in Chicago, IL
A timeless symbol of elegance and craftsmanship, this exceptional Harry Winston diamond engagement ring showcases a breathtaking 4 carat natural round brilliant cut diamond set in pl...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston Round Brilliant Diamond Ring in Platinum
By Harry Winston
Located in Chicago, IL
This extraordinary Harry Winston Platinum Round Brilliant Diamond Pavé Engagement Ring showcases the House’s unrivaled mastery in selecting and setting the world’s finest diamonds. A...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Elegant Harry Winston Diamond Ring in Platinum 950
By Harry Winston
Located in Chicago, IL
Discover timeless sophistication with this exceptional Harry Winston diamond ring, crafted in luxurious Platinum 950 and designed to captur...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston 2.34 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in Chicago, IL
An exquisite and timeless Harry Winston diamond solitaire engagement ring, masterfully crafted in platinum and showcasing a breathtakin...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
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
Harry Winston Round Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and iconic engagement ring by Harry Winston from the renowned “The One” collection, crafted in platinum and designed with a refined halo setting that enhances the brillian...
Diamond, White 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 Tryst Platinum GIA Certified 0.87 E VS1 Diamond Engagement Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Design Estate Designer Collection Metal- 95% Platinum, 5% Iridium. Stone- GIA Certified Round Diamonds E Color VS1 Clarity, 0.81 Carats. 4 Round E-F Color VS1 Round Diamonds, 0.06 Carats. GIA Diamond Report Number 2136028272 An amazing entirely handmade Harry Winston Tryst...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Harry Winston Platinum & Antique Cushion Diamond Ring 11.56ctw GIA F/VS2
By Harry Winston
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are very pleased to present this truly remarkable and rare vintage GIA Certified Harry Winston Platinum & Antique-Style Cushion Cut Natural Diamond Ring. This exceptional Harr...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Harry Winston 2.02 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring GIA, circa 1980s
By Harry Winston
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Elevate your love story with this extraordinary Vintage Harry Winston Diamond Engagement Ring, a true testament to the timeless allure of one of the world's most prestigious jewelers. Crafted in the 1980s, this piece features a stunning 2.02 carat round brilliant cut diamond of impeccable quality, exuding the enduring elegance and craftsmanship synonymous with the Harry Winston legacy. At the heart of this exquisite ring is a resplendent 2.02 carat round diamond, certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as an E color with a VS1 clarity. This exceptional diamond, with its brilliant white hue and remarkable clarity, is a testament to Harry Winston's commitment to sourcing only the most exceptional stones. Flanking the center diamond are six tapered baguette diamonds, 0.74 carats total diamond weight, each meticulously selected to complement and enhance the brilliance of the centerpiece. These side stones add a touch of sophistication and symmetry, creating a balanced and harmonious design. The classic round brilliant-cut center diamond, paired with the geometric precision of the baguette side stones, epitomizes the enduring elegance that defines Harry Winston's creations. The ring's design is a celebration of clean lines, symmetry, and a commitment to showcasing the inherent beauty of the diamonds. Lastly, the hallmark of a Harry Winston setting lies in its gracefully curved prongs. Crafted in the finest platinum, these prongs are meticulously fashioned to create an elegant embrace around the diamond. Instead of the more traditional single prong per side, this setting features two prongs on each corner of the center stone. This double prong design not only offers additional security for the diamond, but it also adds a distinctive touch of refinement to the overall aesthetic that is a signature element of Harry Winston rings. This vintage Harry Winston engagement...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 2 Ctw Harry Winston Engagement Diamond Ring Platinum Three Stone
By Harry Winston
Located in Puyallup, WA
This three stone Harry Winston diamond engagement ring is crafted from platinum. It features three natural diamonds. The center diamon...
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston Diamond Ring. Round Diamond Engagement Solitaire PT950 Platinum.
By Harry Winston
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Authentic Harry Winston Ring Diamond Engagement ring. Comfort Fit, with Eternity diamond shank. PT950 Platinum 0.75ct Brilliant round Cut diamond. VS1 E color Size 4.5 4.3 grams
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Platinum
