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 Avenue 36-22MM Dial 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wrist Watch
Located in New York, NY
Designer: HARRY WINSTON Title: Harry Winston 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wrist Watches Style: Wrist Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Dimension: 5.75*0.43*0.17IN Weight: 49.18 Grams Condition: Vi...
18k Gold
HARRY WINSTON Premier Chronograph 18k Rose Gold & Diamonds Watch
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
A dazzling harmony of horology and haute joaillerie, this HARRY WINSTON chronograph timepiece is crafted in luminous 18K rose gold and set ablaze with brilliant-cut diamonds. The rou...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$17,280Sale Price|20% Off
Harry Winston Premier Limited Edition 37mm 18K White Gold Automatic Watch Box
By Harry Winston
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional expression of Swiss horology and refined luxury, this Harry Winston Premier Limited Edition wristwatch combines timeless elegance with sophisticated mechanical craftsm...
$21,892Sale Price|20% Off
Harry Winston Premier Ladies Diamonds & 18k Rose Gold & Satin Strap
By Harry Winston
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
NEW FACTORY STICKERS STILL INTACT BRAND: Harry Winston MODEL: Premier REFRENCE: PRNQHM36RR001 SIZE: 36mm CASE: Rose Quartz DIAL: Mother of Pearl MOVEMENT: Quartz SKU: WL1937
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1990s Harry Winston 6206 Tri-Tone 18K Gold Silver Dial Quartz 23mm
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
A Rare Combination Of Precious Metals Harry Winston debuted its first watch collection in 1989, translating the house's high-jewelry expertise into fine timepieces. This piece from ...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
$56,000Sale Price|20% Off
Harry Winston Premier Chronograph Automatic Watch Model 200UCQ32W
By Harry Winston
Located in Chicago, IL
Harry Winston Premier Chronograph Automatic Watch Model 200UCQ32W is an exquisite timepiece known for its luxury and elegance. It features a round mother-of-pearl dial adorned with A...
$38,400Sale Price|20% Off
Harry Winston Premier Excenter Bi Retro Diamond 18K White Gold Automatic Watch
By Harry Winston
Located in Chicago, IL
A remarkable expression of haute horlogerie and fine jewelry, this Harry Winston Premier Excenter Bi-Retro watch masterfully blends innovative watchmaking with unmistakable elegance....
Diamond
Harry Winston Ladies yellow and white gold quartz Wristwatch
By Harry Winston
Located in Darnestown, MD
Harry Winston sporty tank wrist watch in yellow and white gold. Yellow gold outer and inner bands frame one of white gold. The face is silvertone with gold hands. The movement is qua...
Gold, White Gold
Harry Winston Diamond Gold Ladies Watch
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
18k gold lady's watch by Harry Winston, adorned with 2 diamonds. Case - 22mm in diameter. 18k gold bracelet with hidden deployment clasp will fit up to 7" wrist. Weight of the piece ...
Diamond, Gold
Harry Winston Premier 22mm Diamond Gold Watch
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: 17.10 carats Color/Clarity: D-G, VS-VVS Certifications: Harry Winston Replacement Valuation Size: 22mm Creator: Harry Winston Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 59.53 grams Period: 2010s Condition: Used - Previously owned, lightly worn, and in excellent condition Renowned jeweler Harry Winston, dubbed the "King of Diamonds," founded Harry Winston, Inc. in 1932, catering to elite clientele. The Yellow Gold Premier Full Diamond Watch...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
