A Timeline of Harry Winston’s Glittering Legacy| CHURINGA RUBY JEWELRY

class=”text-uppercase mb-5 text-yellow-sea innerpage-title”>A Timeline of Harry Winston’s Glittering Legacy

Much like their jewelry, the House of Harry Winston boasts a brilliant and illustrious history. Founded in 1932 in New York City by Mr. Harry Winston himself — a passionate gemologist, instinctive businessman, and dedicated philanthropist — the luxury brand continues to set high standards for fine jewelry and upscale timepieces. Mr. Winston was known throughout his life as the “Jeweler to the Stars” and “King of Diamonds.” His unique philosophy toward design — in which individual gemstones dictate each design instead of the metal settings — revolutionized fine jewelry, remaining a timeless aesthetic that continues to inspire all Harry Winston creations.

Harry Winston Through the Years

1932

Mr. Harry Winston founded Harry Winston, Inc. The year 1932 marked the beginning of an unforgettable, extraordinary legacy.

1935

Harry Winston invested in his first significant diamond — “the Jonker.” The 726-carat uncut rough diamond made headlines all over the world. After much deliberation on the safest way to deliver the gemstone to his headquarters in New York, Mr. Winston decided to send the diamond via regular registered mail for $0.64. Cleaving the Jonker resulted in twelve individual diamonds. The largest was an emerald cut that weighed a total of 125.35 carats.

1938

After reading a newspaper article about a 726.60-carat rough diamond discovered in Brazil, Mr. Winston did not hesitate to embark on a cross-continent journey to track the glorious gemstone. Traveling by plane to Brazil first, then by boat to Antwerp, Mr. Winston examined and bought the remarkable piece of rough called “the Vargas.”

1940s

Gaining inspiration from the geometry of nature, Harry Winston and his design team pioneered the innovative technique of clustering, in which individual diamonds and not the metal settings would determine the jewelry design. The technique — also known as the Winston Cluster design — maximizes the brilliance of each stone.

1944

Harry Winston became the “Jeweler to the Stars,” as he was the first to lend diamonds to a celebrity during the 16th Academy Awards. Mr. Winston dressed Jennifer Jones, the evening’s Best Actress winner.

1948

Harry Winston met the Duke and Duchess of Windsor for the first time. Before their meeting, Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor and avid jewelry collector, sent Harry Winston a letter saying, “My friends tell me you have such wonderful things…” Both the Duke and Duchess went on to purchase several pieces from the jewelry house, including the famed McLean Diamond.

1949

Harry Winston obtained the complete jewelry collection of Mrs. Evalyn Walsh McLean, an American socialite. Some pieces include the 94.80-carat Star of the East, as well as the renowned Hope Diamond, a 45.52-carat rare blue diamond that King Louis XIV, Marie Antoinette, and Lord Henry Hope previously owned.

1950

Charmed by the beauty and symmetry of one of nature’s finest blooms, Harry Winston and his design team introduced the Sunflower motif. 

1952

Life Magazine reported that Harry Winston possessed the world’s second-largest collection of historic jewels. The British royal family owns the largest collection.

1955

Harry Winston opened his first international retail salon in Geneva, Switzerland. A location in Paris, France followed in 1957.

1958

As a gift to the world, Harry Winston donated the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The generous donation helped establish the museum’s National Gem Collection.

1960

Harry Winston moved his New York salon to 718 Fifth Avenue, marking one of the biggest moves in jewelry history. The location became the permanent residence to Harry Winston’s Flagship Salon, Design Studio, and Archives.

1966

Harry Winston invested in a 241-carat piece of rough diamond, which he had cut into a 69.42-carat pear-shaped diamond. Actor Richard Burton eventually purchased the gemstone for his wife, actress Elizabeth Taylor, which then renamed the stone to the Taylor-Burton Diamond.

1968

Harry Winston broadcasted on live television the cleaving of a rough diamond, the 601-carat Lesotho. The Lesotho eventually produced eighteen majestic gems, including a 71.73-carat emerald-cut, as well as a 40.42-carat marquise-cut diamond that Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis purchased as an engagement ring for Jacqueline Kennedy.

1976

Harry Winston cut a 75.52-carat D-flawless pear-shaped diamond from a 204-carat rough. Mr. Winston named the exquisite gemstone the Star of Independence in celebration of the American Bicentennial.

1978

On 28 December 1978, Harry Winston — a leading pioneer in diamond trade — died in New York City at the age of 82.

1988 

Harry Winston’s legacy lives on. The luxury jewelry house opened its first retail salon in Japan, in Tokyo.

1989

Harry Winston launched its first collection of timepieces, entering the world of fine watchmaking.

1997

The Harry Winston Gallery opened at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., which continued to house the famed Hope Diamond.

2001

Harry Winston introduced the Opus Series, representing a collaboration between the House and master watchmakers. The Opus Series features a new limited edition timepiece annually in partnership with distinguished horologists.

2004

Harry Winston introduced the world’s first timepiece materialized from Zalium — a revolutionary, zirconium-based alloy.

2007

Harry Winston opened a Timepiece Manufacture in Geneva, Switzerland — the watchmaking capital of the world. 

2009

Harry Winston debuted the New York Collection, which the glamour of Manhattan inspired. Further, the House launched Histoire de Tourbillon, an exclusive collection of watches dedicated to the intricate craftsmanship of one of fine watchmaking’s most renowned complications.

2010

Inspired by the captivating shape of lilies in bloom, Harry Winston introduced the Lily Cluster Collection, a modern interpretation of the iconic Winston Cluster motif.

2011

Harry Winston debuted Ultimate Adornments, an exceptionally high-end jewelry collection handcrafted from diamonds and platinum. The refined collection describes a journey through heritage, traditions, and culture.

2012

Harry Winston made available to the world “Water by Harry Winston,” a collection of jewelry exploring the extraordinary wonders of the world and its most precious elements: water and rare gemstones.

2013

Harry Winston, Inc. obtained the 101.73-carat Winston Legacy diamond. Christie’s auction house described the flawless, colorless pear-shaped beauty as “the most perfect diamond ever offered for sale at auction.”

2014

On May 15th, 2014 in Geneva, Switzerland, Harry Winston Inc. announced the acquisition of a rare 13.22-carat, flawless, fancy-vivid blue diamond, which was named the “Winston Blue.” The magnificent pear-shaped stone could be the largest of its kind.

Today

From acquiring some of the world’s most sought-after gemstones to embellishing generations of famous faces for over eight decades, the Harry Winston name has been synonymous with unparalleled luxury. Today, the House of Harry Winston upholds its tradition of quality, creativity, and rarity without compromise in its retail salons across the globe, including New York, Paris, Geneva, Tokyo, London, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. 

About Biltmore Loan and Jewelry

If you are looking to sell your Harry Winston jewelry and timepieces, we are a leading choice for upscale collateral lending and outright selling in Phoenix, AZ. To get a FREE market appraisal, complete our online form or visit our location in Chandler or Scottsdale, AZ.