American diamond-dealer and jeweler nicknamed “The King of Diamonds.” Harry Winston (1896-1976) entered the jewelry trade in the 1920’s. His speciality was buying large collections of gems and reselling them for a profit.

In 1932, Winston opened a retail store at 527 Fifth Avenue in New York. In 1934, he bought the “Jonker” diamond, the seventh largest rough diamond in the world. Its cutting became a national event. One writer at the time claimed that, “no gem in the world’s history has won greater fame or done more to increase the public’s love and appreciation for diamonds.” In 1949, Winston purchased Evelyn Walsh MacLean’s collection of jewelry, which included the infamous Hope Diamond, and arranged a traveling exhibition to showcase the most important pieces. By the 1950’s, Winston’s name was synonymous with fine diamonds. This is more or less evident in Gentleman Prefer Blondes (1953) when Marilyn Monroe seductively coos his name whilst singing “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” In 1974, Winston bought the largest parcel of rough diamonds purchased from De Beers up to that date.

Winston's jewelry is known for its simplicity, beauty, and high-quality fabrication. The designs tend to feature fancy shaped gemstones— often pear or marquise cuts. Hardly any metal is visible, as the gemstones take center stage. In one Winston signature, marquise-shaped diamonds are clustered in a luxurious spray, creating elegant earrings. Winston’s rings tend to feature large gemstones with minimal settings.