(Photo courtesy of Harry Winston via Pinterest)
Contents
- 1. The First Jewels Ever Lent to the Academy Awards Stage
- 2. Legendary Clients Blindly Trusted Mr. Winston
- 3. A 726-Carat Discovery Sent Winston Across Continents
- 4. Young Winston Spent 25 Cents and Gained $800!
- 5. Ultra-Rare 25-Carat Ruby Secured By Winston
- 6. Sparkling Timepieces That Do More Than Just Tell Time
- 7. Artisanal Savoir-Faire at the Heart of the House’s Identity
- 8. Winston Was a Jewelry Icon Long Before the Crown
- Not Every Harry Winston Jewel Costs a Fortune
- About The Writer
It was no exaggeration when Cosmopolitan magazine crowned Harry Winston the “King of Diamonds” in 1947.
Since opening its doors in 1932 in New York, the House of Harry Winston has been synonymous with extraordinary jewelry and exquisite timepieces, not by a stroke of luck, but through masterful planning and flawless execution.
With a keen eye for rare stones, Mr. Winston journeyed across the globe to uncover the most remarkable diamonds and gems for his elite clientele—and even now, his legacy continues to shine for these very 10 reasons.
1. The First Jewels Ever Lent to the Academy Awards Stage
(Photo courtesy of Harry Winston)
Harry Winston made history in 1943 as the first jeweler to lend diamonds for the Academy Awards, adorning Best Actress nominee Jennifer Jones in his signature jewels.
The move sparked a tradition of red-carpet glamour and firmly established Harry Winston as the ultimate “Jeweler to the Stars.”
2. Legendary Clients Blindly Trusted Mr. Winston
(Photo courtesy of Harry Winston)
Renowned for his discerning eye, Mr. Winston became a trusted advisor to some of the world’s most iconic jewel collectors—including the Maharajah of Indore and the Duchess of Windsor—who sought his expertise when only the most brilliant gems would suffice.
3. A 726-Carat Discovery Sent Winston Across Continents
(Photo courtesy of Harry Winston)
Harry Winston’s instinct for opportunity knew no limits, even taking him across continents in pursuit of his passion. In 1938, a modest news story about a 726.60-carat diamond found in the San Antonio River in Brazil sent him on a whirlwind journey—from plane to Brazil, then by boat to Antwerp.
The stone, later named the Vargas, never reached public sale. Winston saw its potential immediately and purchased it before any other jeweler had the chance.
4. Young Winston Spent 25 Cents and Gained $800!
(Photo courtesy of Harry Winston)
Long before his name became synonymous with eye-dazzling jewels, Harry Winston started his life humbly in 1896.
He was born in New York City to immigrant parents and has spent his early years around his father’s modest jewelry shop on the city’s west side, where his fascination with gemstones quietly took root.
At just 12 years old, Harry Winston’s sharp instincts were already at play. While browsing a pawnshop tray of costume jewelry in 1908, he spotted a green stone that others dismissed as glass, but he saw something more. Trusting his gut, he paid 25¢ for the piece (along with another to keep suspicion low).
When he showed it to his father, who nearly filed it down thinking it worthless, young Winston stopped him just in time. Two days later, he sold the emerald for $800—a remarkable start to what would become a legendary career.
5. Ultra-Rare 25-Carat Ruby Secured By Winston
(Photo courtesy of Harry Winston)
Breaking into the diamond world wasn’t easy for a young man with limited means, but Harry Winston was never one to shy away from a challenge. Winston found his way by thinking differently, with estate jewelry auctions becoming his secret to success.
By the mid-1920s, he had secured landmark collections from figures like Rebecca Darlington Stoddard and Arabella Huntington. He struck gold again in 1930 with the acquisition of Lucky Baldwin’s estate, a glittering archive of more than 1,000 carats of jewels, featuring a remarkable 25-carat ruby.
6. Sparkling Timepieces That Do More Than Just Tell Time
(Photo courtesy of Harry Winston)
In 1989, Harry Winston ventured into horology with the launch of the Premier Collection, marking its entry into luxury watchmaking. Now a signature of the House, this exclusive watch line is dedicated entirely to women, celebrated for its seamless fusion of fine watchmaking and exceptional gem-setting artistry.
From the Premier Brilliant Sparkle to the Premier Precious Garden and Premier Sunflower Automatic, each design is a shining example of Harry Winston’s legendary artistry, created to rest gracefully on the wrists of sophisticated ladies.
7. Artisanal Savoir-Faire at the Heart of the House’s Identity
(Photo courtesy of Harry Winston)
There’s a reason Harry Winston jewels stand in a league of their own. They’re masterfully shaped by an atelier of elite artisans—some with lifelong experience under the House name, others representing the next wave of creative brilliance.
Together, they unite traditional craftsmanship with modern methods, creating an unmatched standard of artistry. Their wide-ranging expertise brings the most intricate ideas to life, ensuring that every Harry Winston piece is flawlessly executed, unmistakably original, and made to last.
- Did you know? New York City is home to not one but two of Harry Winston’s state-of-the-art workshops, where expert artisans transform raw beauty into showstopping final pieces.
8. Winston Was a Jewelry Icon Long Before the Crown
(Photo courtesy of Harry Winston)
Even before earning the title “King of Diamonds,” Harry Winston was already making waves in the jewelry world.
He launched the Premier Diamond Company in 1920 and quickly became famous for acquiring high-profile estates, especially those belonging to America’s most elite socialites.
Not Every Harry Winston Jewel Costs a Fortune
(Photo courtesy of Harry Winston)
More than an adornment, every Harry Winston creation is a sparkling tribute to the visionary behind the name, forever linked to the world’s rarest and most expensive jewels. But here’s the twist: while the Harry Winston’s bijoux are second to none, the price tag doesn’t have to be.
According to Jackie Abraham Jewelers, pre-owned jewelry typically sells for 20 to 50% of its original price—such a steal for anyone looking to expand their jewelry collection on a smart budget.
Thanks to online platforms like ZenLuxe, it's never been easier to access a wide selection of secondhand (AKA preloved) luxury jewelry—from Harry Winston to Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Bvlgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chrome Hearts, and various other top-tier houses.
ZenLuxe takes the stress out of secondhand luxury shopping with a simple three-step process: search for your dream piece (or get inspired as you explore), add it to your cart, and place your order. In no time, your brilliant jewels will be delivered right to your doorstep, elegantly packed and ready to shine with you!
About The Writer
Meet Mariam — a fashion writer who lives and breathes all things vogue and glamour. For her, the most therapeutic aspect of fashion goes beyond simply shopping for the latest styles that appear in stores; it’s fully experiencing this glamorous world from the little details to the big moments (there's nothing quite like the thrill of flipping through a sleek fashion magazine, is there?).
