Editor’s Note
This article explores the legacy of Harry Winston, whose name became synonymous with diamonds through iconic designs and legendary gemstones. From the Hope Diamond to the signature Winston Cluster, the brand’s history is a testament to its enduring influence in high jewelry.
In 1953, Marilyn Monroe sang softly in the classic film “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”: “Talk to me Harry Winston, tell me all about it.” That single lyric encapsulated HARRY WINSTON’s supreme status in the world of jewelry.
In the long history of high jewelry, few names have become synonymous with “diamond” like Mr. Harry Winston. From the legendary Hope Diamond to the Winston Cluster, which rewrote modern jewelry design, this brand is not just a synonym for luxury, but a chronicle of gemstones, nature, and light. As the festive lights illuminate Fifth Avenue at year’s end, we delve into the legend of this “King of Diamonds” and the setting aesthetic inspired by winter wreaths that endures to this day.
Long before *Cosmopolitan* magazine officially crowned him the “King of Diamonds” in 1947, Mr. Harry Winston was already a prominent figure in the global gemstone world. He possessed an almost innate intuition, able to discern the light hidden deep within rough stones.
During his illustrious career, he owned over one-third of the world’s legendary famous diamonds. From the ancient Maharajah of Indore to the Duchess of Windsor, countless luminaries were his esteemed clients.
HARRY WINSTON is also hailed as the “Jeweler to the Stars.” He was the first jeweler to sponsor actresses to wear jewelry at the Oscars, a pioneering move that ushered in a new era of red carpet fashion. To this day, from Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Lopez to the new generation of Hollywood stars, HARRY WINSTON remains the most dazzling presence on the red carpet.
If procuring rough stones showcased Mr. Winston’s boldness, then the Winston Cluster series proves his foresight as an artist. This brand’s most iconic design was born on a cold winter night in the 1940s.
At the time, Mr. Winston paused at the entrance of the Scarsdale Estate, his gaze deeply captivated by the Christmas holly wreath hanging on the door. He noticed that the three-dimensional beauty of the wreath came from the layers of interwoven leaves, encased in crystalline frost, not the supporting branches. This moment of epiphany rewrote jewelry design history:
To realize this nature-inspired vision, Mr. Winston collaborated with his then-chief designer, Nevdon Koumrouyan, to pioneer the revolutionary Cluster setting technique. The core of this technique lies in “subtraction” and “three-dimensionality.” Abandoning the heavy metal settings of the time, artisans skillfully mixed pear-shaped, marquise, and round brilliant-cut diamonds. Through precise calculation, these diamonds were arranged and stacked at different angles, using minimal platinum settings for invisible mounting.
The result was astonishing: the diamonds seemed to defy gravity, floating above the skin. Diamonds with different facets reflected each other in three-dimensional space, capturing light from every angle, releasing the purest, most ultimate fire and brilliance.
As the year-end festive atmosphere grows, a playful gingerbread man leads us into this dream world built of treasures. From the classic Wreath necklace to modern watch creations, the design language of Winston Cluster continues to evolve in contemporary times.
**Winston Cluster Wreath Necklace:** This is a direct homage to the 1940s inspiration. This charming, sculptural design blends round, pear, and marquise diamonds. The creation of each necklace takes over a year, from the strict selection of diamonds to full hand-setting, perfectly recreating the elegance and vitality of a Christmas wreath.
**Symphony of Color:** Beyond pure white diamonds, the brand also applies the Cluster technique to colored gemstones. The Oval-Cut Sapphire Cluster Ring exudes classic elegance, featuring an oval-cut sapphire as the center stone, complemented by a Cluster motif of marquise and pear-shaped diamonds, destined to be the focal point at festive parties. The Emerald and Diamond Cluster Necklace and the Oval-Cut Sapphire Cluster Ring feature square emeralds and oval sapphires as center stones respectively, paired with cluster-set diamonds, transforming into the most radiant wreaths of light at the neck and on the finger.
**Flowing Light and Shadow:** The Sparkling Cluster series interprets the soul of the cluster setting with a lighter touch. Interwoven round brilliant and pear-shaped diamonds lie close to the skin like ribbons, illuminating the entire winter. The mysterious Secret Cluster earrings showcase the ultimate brilliance and vitality of diamonds with their three-dimensional sculptural feel.
For collectors seeking both practicality and splendor, the Ultimate Emerald Signature High Jewelry Watch is the perfect choice. Crafted in 18K white gold, it is not only a precise timepiece but also a piece of jewelry that can be converted into a pendant or brooch. The emerald-cut diamond at its center echoes Mr. Harry Winston’s most beloved cut shape.
For those who prefer simplicity and elegance, the HARRY WINSTON Emerald watch collection is an impeccable choice. The 18K rose gold case is set with round brilliant-cut diamonds, paired with a green satin strap, exuding a classic festive atmosphere, recording the precious moments of year-end celebrations with every passing second.
In this season filled with love and sharing, the Winston Cluster series is not merely a华丽装饰; it is reverence for the beauty of nature, persistence in极致工艺, and the continuation of the “King of Diamonds'” legendary spirit. Each piece is a testament to transforming that moment of inspiration on a winter night into eternity, awaiting the inheritance by the next generation.
