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Top 10 Most Expensive Harry Winston Rings & Jewelry Ever Sold at Auction as of 2024

Harry Winston is a luxury jewellery company that has been crafting some of the most exquisite and expensive pieces for over eight decades. Known for its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, the company has established itself as one of the most prestigious jewellery brands in the world. One of its most famous pieces is the Hope Diamond, a 45.52-carat blue diamond that is considered one of the most valuable and famous diamonds in the world.

Let’s take a look at Harry Winston: the brand, the man behind the brand, and some of the most expensive Harry Winston pieces ever sold throughout history as of 2024.

The History of Harry Winston

Harry Winston is a luxury jewellery company that has been at the forefront of the industry for over eight decades. The company was founded by the legendary jeweller, Harry Winston, in 1932, and it quickly established a reputation for its unparalleled craftsmanship and exceptional designs.

Today, Harry Winston is considered one of the most prestigious jewellery brands in the world, and its pieces are coveted by collectors and celebrities alike.

Harry Winston himself was born in 1896 in New York City, and he began working in the jewellery industry at the young age of 12. He started out as an apprentice in his father’s jewellery shop, where he quickly demonstrated a natural talent for gemstones and diamonds. He eventually opened his own jewellery shop in 1920, and he quickly became known for his exquisite designs and meticulous attention to detail.

In 1932, Harry Winston founded the Harry Winston Inc. in New York City. The company initially focused on the sale of estate jewellery, but it soon began to specialize in the design and creation of its own pieces. Harry Winston quickly established a reputation for his exceptional taste and ability to select the finest quality gemstones, and his jewellery became sought-after by collectors and high-profile clients, including royalty, Hollywood stars, and socialites.

One of Harry Winston’s most significant contributions to the jewellery industry was his introduction of the concept of the “cluster” ring. He was the first to combine small diamonds into a larger setting, creating a more significant, more brilliant piece that was both eye-catching and more affordable than a single large diamond. This style of ring became incredibly popular and is still used in many of Harry Winston’s designs today.

In the 1940s, Harry Winston acquired several famous and valuable gems, including the Hope Diamond, the Jonker Diamond, and the Portuguese Diamond. These acquisitions helped cement the company’s reputation as the premier jeweller of its time and helped establish Harry Winston as a leading authority on diamonds and gemstones.

In the years that followed, Harry Winston continued to create exquisite jewellery pieces that were coveted by collectors and high-profile clients around the world. The company also expanded its operations to include a range of other luxury products, including watches and accessories.

In 2013, the Swatch Group acquired Harry Winston, bringing the iconic jewellery brand into its portfolio of luxury watch and jewellery brands. The acquisition has allowed Harry Winston to continue to innovate and create exceptional pieces while benefiting from the expertise and resources of the Swatch Group.

Today, Harry Winston is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, exquisite designs, and unparalleled quality. The company’s pieces continue to be sought-after by collectors and high-profile clients, and its jewellery is regularly worn on red carpets and at major events around the world.

The 10 Most Expensive Harry Winston Rings

& Diamonds Ever Sold as of 2024

1. The Hope Diamond

The Hope Diamond is a large, blue diamond with a long and intriguing history. It is one of the most famous and expensive gems in the world as of 2024, known for its size, colour, and unique features. The diamond is believed to have originated in India and was later acquired by French diamond merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier in the 17th century.

The diamond has passed through numerous owners since then, including King Louis XIV of France, King George IV of England, and the wealthy American heiress Evalyn Walsh McLean, who famously wore it as a necklace. Harry Winston bought the diamond for an unknown amount in 1949, toured it for several years, and then donated it to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., where it remains today as a part of the museum’s collection.

Today, the diamond is valued at up to $350 million and is thought to be one of the most valuable gemstones in the world as of 2024. It remains a treasured symbol of wealth and glamour, and its unique blue colour and large size have made it a cultural icon.

2. The Pink Legacy

The Winston Pink Legacy is a rare and highly valuable pink diamond that was named after the founder of the Harry Winston brand. The diamond weighs 18.96 carats and boasts a vivid pink hue that is seldom seen in gemstones of its size. The Winston Pink Legacy was purchased at auction in Geneva by Harry Winston in 2018 for a record-breaking price of $50.4 million, making it the most expensive pink diamond ever sold at auction as of 2024.

Prior to its sale, the diamond was part of the Oppenheimer collection, which is renowned for its exceptional diamonds. The Winston Pink Legacy was graded by the Gemological Institute of America as a Type IIa diamond, which is the most chemically pure and rarest type of diamond.

The Winston Pink Legacy is considered a true collector’s item and is highly sought after by connoisseurs and investors. It’s also one of the most famous Harry Winston pink diamonds in the world. Its exceptional size, colour, and rarity have ensured that it remains one of the most valuable diamonds on the planet as of 2024.

More recently, Harry Winston has announced that they are ‘open to offers’ on the Winston Pink Legacy.

3. The Winston Blue

The Winston Blue is a pear-shaped, internally flawless blue diamond weighing 13.22 carats. The diamond was discovered in the Premier Mine in South Africa in 2013 and was purchased by luxury jeweller Harry Winston from an anonymous seller for a record-breaking $23.8 million, making it the most expensive vivid blue diamond ever sold at auction at the time.

The diamond was named “Winston Blue” by the company’s CEO in honour of the founder, who was known for his passion for rare and exquisite diamonds. Today, the Winston Blue has been set into a gorgeous ring and remains in the possession of the Harry Winston brand and is regarded as one of the most valuable and coveted blue diamonds in the world as of 2024.

The Winston Blue is a Type IIb diamond and it’s flanked on either side by smaller pear-shaped diamonds weighing 1.00 and 0.96 carats. This internally flawless diamond is an example of the exceptional natural beauty that can be found in the world’s rarest gems.

4. The Winston Legacy Diamond

The Winston Legacy Diamond is one of the most remarkable diamonds in the world. It is a Type IIa diamond, which means it has a high level of purity and is completely free of nitrogen, making it exceptionally rare. The diamond weighed 101.73 carats and was mined from the Jwaneng Mine in Botswana in 2013.

The Winston Legacy Diamond was named after Harry Winston after he acquired the stone and transformed it into a beautiful cushion-cut diamond. The process of cutting and polishing took over a year to complete, with master craftsmen working tirelessly to ensure that the diamond was cut to perfection.

The diamond was sold to Winston at a Christie’s auction in Geneva in 2013 for $26.7 million, making it one of the most expensive diamonds ever sold as of 2024. Today, the Winston Legacy Diamond remains a testament to the beauty and rarity of diamonds and continues to capture the imagination of jewellers and collectors alike.

5. Martian Pink Diamond

The Martian Pink Diamond is a stunning 12.04-carat diamond with a gorgeous pink hue caused by a rare deformation in its crystal lattice structure. Named after the Viking Landers’ mission to Mars in 1976, this diamond boasts flawless clarity and C-colour.

The Martian Pink Diamond is currently set in a ring between two smaller diamonds and mounted on an 18-carat gold band. The ring was sold to an unknown buyer at a Chrsitie’s auction in Hong Kong in 2012 for a staggering $17.4 million, which works out at around $1.5 million per carat.

This was the first time the diamond had been on sale in over 36 years and it fetched more than double the estimated price at the auction, showing just how valuable Harry Winston diamonds are.

6. Golconda Diamond Necklace

The Golconda Diamond Necklace is a masterpiece of jewellery design and craftsmanship, featuring a stunning array of rare and precious diamonds. The centrepiece of the necklace is a 38.05-carat Golconda diamond, considered one of the finest examples of its kind in the world. The Golconda diamonds, which come from mines in India, are known for their exceptional clarity and brilliance, making them highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike.

The necklace itself is a work of art, with intricate designs and settings that showcase the diamonds to their fullest potential. It was created by Harry Winston when he acquired the Golconda diamond and other rare gems from the estate of a Maharaja in the 1960s.

This Harry Winston necklace went on sale in 2022 for $7.5 million, making it an expensive item but a bargain compared to other famous diamonds by Harry Winston.

7. Diamond Lattice Bracelet

The Lattice Bracelet by Harry Winston is an exquisite piece of jewellery that was showcased at the 2013 Oscars. To create a unique cuff, Harry Winston combined a cluster of its popular bracelets, including the Lattice Bracelet and the Platinum Cluster Bracelet. Charlize Theron was spotted wearing this stunning ensemble on the red carpet, which is said to be worth millions.

The Lattice Bracelet is a vintage jewel that dates back to 1959 and is made of platinum. Weighing over 50 carats, it is valued at over $3 million. To complete the ensemble, matching earrings worth $1.6 million were also worn by the actress.

The combination of the vintage Lattice Bracelet and the Platinum Cluster Bracelet has become an iconic piece of jewellery that showcases the impeccable craftsmanship and design of Harry Winston.

8. Diamond Chandelier Earrings

At the 2018 Academy Awards, Harry Winston showcased its trending chandelier earrings. The stunning earrings were spotted on Salma Hayek, a long-time collaborator of the brand. Her shimmering purple Gucci dress, an Alessandro Michele creation, was perfectly complemented by the sparkling Harry Winston earrings and diamond ring.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds3SQ1h8dtY

The chandelier earrings have become a popular trend, and Harry Winston’s impeccable craftsmanship and design have made them a highly coveted accessory. The platinum earrings feature 20 pear-shaped diamonds and 50 round diamonds and weigh 27.5 carats in total.

The brand’s ability to create timeless pieces that exude glamour and luxury has made it a favourite amongst A-list celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike. While this piece hasn’t been sold at auction yet, according to Harper’s Bazaar, the jewellery was valued at an astounding $4.2 million in combination with the matching diamond ring.

9. Cascading Sapphire And Diamond Drop Necklace

Another Harry Winston piece that’s been made famous by a trip to the Oscars, Harry Winston’s cascading drop necklace is a masterpiece that showcases the brand’s exceptional craftsmanship and expertise in creating timeless pieces of jewellery.

The necklace comes in several designs, each adorned with a unique combination of gemstones, including diamonds, sapphires, and other precious stones. One such design features cushion-cut sapphires in each direction, creating a dazzling effect that makes it a favourite amongst A-list celebrities.

Dame Helen Mirren was spotted wearing this stunning cascading drop necklace during the 2018 Oscars night, where she paired it with a pale blue Reema Acra gown. The necklace perfectly complemented her outfit and added a touch of glamour and luxury to her overall look. The matching set of earrings completed the ensemble, making her the centre of attention on the red carpet.

The necklace is valued at around $3.8 million.

10. The Purple Dragon

Harry Winston’s purple dragon necklace is a unique necklace that features a 65.32-carat cushion-cut purple sapphire that sits in a cluster of pear-shaped diamonds. One of the most famous and expensive Harry Winston necklaces as of 2024, the Purple Dragon weighs a total of 64.16 carats.

The necklace is thought to be worth around and has become popular in the press since Jennifer Lopez wore it to the Met Gala in 2019.

The Purple Dragon is memorable for its bright purple hue, which makes it relatively unique within the Harry Winston collection.

Harry Winston jewellery collections

Harry Winston’s contemporary collections include luxury jewellery for high-end buyers and unique pieces for collectors and stars. While Harry Winston is best known for creating diamond rings, the company also has popular lines in necklaces, watches, earrings, bracelets, and charms.

Harry Winston rings

Harry Winston’s rings are famous around the world for their timeless beauty and unique style. While some of the most famous Harry Winston rings, such as the Pink Legacy Diamond ring, are worth many millions of pounds, other Harry Winston rings, including emerald rings and sapphire rings, are available for a price of thousands.

Harry Winston rings are crafted from high-quality precious metals including platinum, white gold, rose gold, and yellow gold. Inset with a huge range of precious gems including white and coloured diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, Harry Winston rings are always unique and eye-catching.

As well as everyday rings, Harry Winston creates beautiful engagement rings and wedding rings including Harry Winston wedding rings studded with diamonds and other gemstones.

Harry Winston’s engagement rings are particularly popular among A-list celebrities and have become a symbol of true love and commitment. The brand’s expertise in creating exquisite rings is reflected in its high-end fine jewellery and high jewellery collections and the value, price and prestige of Harry Winston diamond rings make them a popular choice for engagement rings.

Harry Winston rings are often designed to sport signature Harry Winston styles, with many rings featuring clusters of small diamonds or diamonds arranged into recognisable patterns like sunflowers and lilies.

Harry Winston rings hold their value over time and make an excellent investment piece as they retain a high price, which is why they’re so commonly seen in the high-end jewellery pawn shops of Bond Street, London, UK.

Harry Winston necklaces

Harry Winston is well-known for creating exquisite necklaces that are both elegant and unique. Crafted using high-quality materials including diamonds, platinum, and gold. The brand’s attention to detail and commitment to quality is evident in each piece.

credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mharrsch/23553275153

One of the most iconic necklaces created by Harry Winston is the ‘Wreath’ necklace, which was designed in the 1950s. This necklace features an intricate arrangement of diamonds and is made up of 48 pear-shaped diamonds and 114 round brilliant-cut diamonds, all set in platinum. The necklace has been worn by numerous celebrities over the years, cementing its status as a timeless piece.

Another popular necklace design by Harry Winston is the ‘cluster’ style of necklace, which features a cluster of diamonds arranged in a stunning and intricate pattern. This necklace is made up of numerous small diamonds, creating a shimmering effect that is sure to catch the eye.

Perhaps the most famous Harry Winston necklace is the Hope Diamond, which now lives in the Smithsonian after Harry Winston donated it in 1958. The Hope Diamond was temporarily set into a necklace by Harry Winston in 2010.

Harry Winston watches

As well as creating fine jewellery for both men and women, Harry Winston also produces luxury watches and timepieces. The brand’s watches are crafted using high-quality materials like gold and platinum, and some Harry Winston watches are studded with precious gems including yellow diamonds and pink diamonds.

One of the brand’s most iconic watch designs is the ‘Midnight Diamond Stalactites’ watch, which features an intricate dial with diamonds arranged in a stunning and unique pattern. The watch is powered by a Swiss automatic movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping.

Another popular watch design by Harry Winston is the ‘Project Z’ watch, which features a case made from a unique zirconium alloy. The watch is also equipped with a tourbillon movement, which helps to improve its accuracy.

Harry Winston watches are an excellent choice for those who appreciate luxury and high-quality craftsmanship, and one of our favorite asset to loan against. The brand’s attention to detail and commitment to using the best materials ensures that its watches are both elegant and durable.

Harry Winston earrings

As well as sapphire rings and watches, Harry Winston is well-known for producing unique earrings from diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and other precious stones. Harry Winston matching earring sets are known for their intricate designs and attention to detail.

Many Harry Winston earrings follow the typical ‘cluster’ pattern so frequently seen in Harry Winston jewellery, which features a cluster of diamonds arranged in a stunning and intricate pattern. These earrings are made up of numerous small diamonds, creating a shimmering effect that is sure to catch the eye.

Another popular line of earrings in Harry Winston’s collection is the Sunflower line, which features a circular arrangement of diamonds resembling the petals of a sunflower. These earrings are available in different sizes and are a popular choice for those who want a statement piece of jewellery.

It’s possible to find Harry Winston earrings in shops around Bond Street and other world-famous shopping districts across the globe.

Harry Winston bracelets

Harry Winston bracelets can be combined with Harry Winston rings to create a classic and elegant look. Harry Winston bracelets are frequently crafted from a range of precious metals including gold and platinum, and set with popular gemstones such as Harry Winston yellow diamonds, white diamonds, sapphires, and rubies.

One of the most famous Harry Winston bracelets is the diamond lattice bracelet, which was once worn to the Oscars by Charlize Theron. Like many other bracelets by Harry Winston, the diamond lattice bracelet features many small diamonds in the brand’s famous signature ‘cluster’, giving the appearance of a much larger diamond.

Harry Winston bracelets are available in the UK from high-end jewellers from Oxford Street to New Bond Street. Combining simple elegance with timeless luxury, bracelets make an excellent starter piece for new collectors.

Harry Winston charms

Harry Winston produces unique charms that can be worn either individually as a pendant or alongside other charms as part of a charm bracelet. Eye-catching, unique, and full of personality, Harry Winston charms sport the brand’s signature diamonds and other gemstones formed into the shape of flowers, hearts, envelopes, and other meaningful symbols.

Charms are a popular contemporary type of jewellery because they can be added to bracelets and pendants and combined with other charms to create a piece that’s unique to you. Harry Winston charms offer buyers the chance to purchase a small but luxurious piece of jewellery made by one of the most famous jewellers in the world.

Three things you may not know about Harry Winston

If you want to know more about Harry Winston, and the impact he’s had on jewellery around the world over the course of his life, here are three not-very-well-known facts about Harry Winston and his diamonds.

1. Harry Winston made a replica ‘Heart of the Ocean’ after Titanic

Well-known around the world for featuring in James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster film, Titanic, the The Heart of the Ocean is a fictitious blue diamond necklace worn by Rose DeWitt Bukater on the ship. While Harry Winston didn’t create the cubic zirconia necklace used in the film, he decided to create his own Heart of the Ocean after the film’s release.

Harry Winston’s Heart of the Ocean features a 15-carat blue diamond, and its association with the worldwide blockbuster makes it one of the most famous Harry Winston necklaces ever produced.

He allowed the actress Gloria Stuart – who played the elderly Rose in Titanic – to wear the Heart of the Ocean to the Oscars ceremony that year, where it became the most expensive item of jewellery ever to be worn at the Oscars.

2. Harry Winston was born with an eye for gemstones

Harry Winston himself, the founder of the company, is one of few people born with a true talent for diamonds and gemstones. A popular story about the young Harry Winston is that in 1908 at the age of 12, he spotted a green stone in a pawnbroker’s tray and bought it for just 25 cents.

As the young prodigy suspected, it was in fact a real, 2-carat emerald, which he sold the next day for a whopping $800 – a huge sum at the time. Harry Winston used this talent in his later years to create beautiful emerald rings and engagement rings for thousands of customers.

3. Harry Winston was a well-known philanthropist

Harry Winston’s life was peppered with anecdotes about his kindness and generosity. He spent much of his money and fame trying to help good causes, and numerous well-meaning gestures throughout the years reflect on the character of this world-famous jeweller.

When the Lesotho I diamond was mined by a female miner in South Africa in 1967, Harry Winston purchased the stone, cut it into 18 diamonds, and offered to make a piece of jewellery out of one of the fragments for the female miner. She declined, but it was a memorable gesture that was typical of Winston throughout his life.

Harry Winston jewellery remains some of the most popular luxury jewellery in the world today. Famous for purchasing and working with some of the most valuable gemstones ever discovered, Harry Winston continues to push the boundaries of jewellery-making every year.

It’s possible to pawn your Harry Winston jewellery in the UK at New Bond Street pawnbrokers in London, including loans against Harry Winston engagement rings and Harry Winston emerald rings.

If you’re looking to pawn luxury jewellery pieces, such as rings, make sure you speak with an experienced broker to get the best price for your jewellery.

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