From there, the diamond met many owners, including King Louis XIV, Marie Antoinette and Lord Henry Hope. The first trade record dates back to 1666 when purchased by a French gem merchant. It was found in India, dating back over four centuries. The Hope Diamond is one of the most recognized diamonds in the world. Ultimately, the raw diamond was cut into 13 pieces, the largest called Jonker I-a 125.35-carat, emerald-shaped diamond. He spent several months debating on the perfect way to cut the stone. And, naturally, Winston strived to add this raw diamond to his collection. At the time, the Jonker was the fourth-largest uncut gem ever found, measuring 726 carats. The Jonker was a raw diamond found in South Africa in 1934. But some of the most famous stones in the Winston collection are: Jonker What Are Some of Harry Winston’s Most Famous Pieces?Įvery Harry Winston piece is sought after for unique angles, intriguing dimensions and organic shapes. Vintage Harry Winston Cluster Diamond Earrings (Achieved $287,500 at FORTUNA’s 2019 Important Jewels auction) The resulting jewelry exuded life with three-dimensional designs. The technique celebrated the stones rather than the metal setting, maximizing the appeal of every piece. In the 1940s, he revolutionized the jewelry industry with his innovative clustering technique.

There is a famous story in which Winston, at only 12 years old, identified a 2-carat emerald at a pawn shop which he bought for $0.25 and sold for $800 two days later.Īs an adult and businessman, Winston branded himself with his adoration of gemstones. His father, who immigrated to the United States from Ukraine, owned a small jewelry business that Winston happily worked in. Today, Harry Winston, Inc., serves the elite globally throughout locations like New York City, London, Paris, Geneva, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai.īorn in 1896, Winston began his journey as a jeweler as a young boy. In 1932, Winston founded Harry Winston, Inc. Today, he is widely known as the “King of Diamonds” and “Jeweler to the Stars” for his many accomplishments as a jeweler. Harry Winston was a well-loved jeweler, businessman and philanthropist.

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