They range in size and weight from 2.06 ct to 17.01 ct for the central ruby of the necklace, leading to an impressive total weight of nearly 116 ct. This jewellery item is pictured and described in the book “Harry Winston: the Ultimate Jeweler” by Laurence Krashes (1984, see pages 162-163).Įach and everyone of these 18 rubies were analysed as loose stones and within the setting. The set consists of an impressive necklace with 16 rubies and a pair of matching ruby ear-pendants (Figure 1). Very recently, the SSEF had the pleasure of analysing a magnificent ruby jewellery set created by Harry Winston in the early 1980s. Quite an important part of his exclusive jewels with coloured stones were actually analysed by SSEF in the past years. 1 diamond (126 ct), the sapphire of Catherine the Great (see short note in this SSEF Facette), to name just a few. Many of the most important diamonds and coloured gems ever discovered went through his hands, such as the Hope diamond (44.5 ct), the Jonkers No. He was famed for his ability to recut and set gemstones of historical provenance into jewellery of a more contemporary design, thus creating a modern way to express luxury and style for his international clientele. His natural gift for evaluating gemstones and jewellery enabled him to follow his passion and successfully launch his own business in 1920. Winston was fascinated by gems and jewels already at a young age. The son of a small jewellery shop owner, Mr. Harry Winston was certainly one of the most important and influential jewellers of the 20th century. Wang, first published in Facette 25 (February 2019) The jeweler went to great lengths to be discreet.Ī man of many secrets, Winston had a tiny concealed private elevator in his office so he and his VIP clients could discreetly slip in and out without being noticed.Age Dating on Ruby set in Iconic Ruby Necklace by Harry Winston Figure 1: Iconic ruby necklace with ruby ear-pendants by Harry Winston. Few people saw his face until his portrait appeared in his 1978 New York Times obituary. Many could spot his jewelry-but few could recognize the man himself.īecause of an ironclad clause in his business insurance policy that forbade him from showing his face publicly, Harry Winston was only photographed in the shadows or from a distance. In 1952, Life magazine reported that after the Royal Court of England, Harry Winston’s collection of jewels was the second largest and most important in the world. His philosophy: "If you can't trust the United States mail, who can you trust?" His only true rival was the House of Windsor. Postal Service for 64 cents, and in 1958 he famously shipped the priceless 45.52-carat Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institute for $145.29. In 1935, he sent the legendary Jonker Diamond (726 carats) from London to New York via the U.S. The jeweler spent millions of dollars on diamonds but only pennies to ship them around the world. Long before supporting the USPS became a national call to action, Winston was quite an advocate. Harry Winston’s beloved black cat named Kashmir was featured in the house’s 1940s ads wearing a huge pear-shaped diamond necklace. Sunset Boulevard // Getty Images He was an animal lover. Bancroft sports a gorgeous ring in The Graduate.
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