FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsJul 16, 2014
Harry Winston’s son loses bid to use Winston name
The son of famed diamantaire Harry Winston has lost a 13-year-long court battle to register the name Bruce Winston as a trademark for his own line of high-end jewelry, court papers show.
New York--The son of famed diamantaire Harry Winston has lost a 13-year-long court battle to register the name Bruce Winston as a trademark for his own line of high-end jewelry, court papers show.
Following oral arguments that took place in August 2013, the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) ruled July 9 in favor of Harry Winston Inc. and Harry Winston S.A., which sought to block Bruce Winston from registering the mark “Bruce Winston” for his business. He started his New York-based jewelry company, Bruce Winston Gem Corp., in 2002 and has been seeking to register Bruce Winston since 2001.
In its ruling, the TTAB stated that it would not allow Bruce Winston to register his mark because the Harry Winston name is so well known in the marketplace and the two companies’ products are very similar, which likely would result in confusion among consumers.
Bruce Winston’s attorney did not respond to request seeking comment on the ruling.
Court papers mention specifically a number of the accomplishments of Harry Winston himself, who “attracted for himself and for his business substantial attention from the press,” noting that the company’s name recognition continues to this day. Among those cited is the fact that a gems room in the Smithsonian bears his name and that actress Marilyn Monroe sang about him in the “legendary” song Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend from the movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), crooning “Talk to me, Harry Winston, tell me all about it.”
The TTAB also dismissed Bruce Winston’s attempts to cancel certain Harry Winston Inc. trademarks and his claim that the company has allowed other members of the Winston family to use their names to market and sell jewelry.
One specific case cited is that of Charles Winston, who is the son of Harry Winston’s nephew, Jerry.
Since 1997, Charles Winston has been appearing on home shopping networks selling sterling silver jewelry set with cubic zirconia. He also sells the Charles W. Moissanite Signature Collection on Amazon.com.
However, in its ruling the TTAB notes that Harry Winston Inc. has “imposed restraints upon him,” with a federal lawsuit against three of his businesses resulting in a “stringent” consent judgment and permanent injunction. Court papers state that Harry Winston has “taken meaningful steps to control and neutralize the impact of the Charles Winston mark and to ensure that its use will be
limited to the non-competing fields of inexpensive costume jewelry.”
According to court papers, Harry Winston started his company as Harry H. Winston Jewels Inc. in 1932 and changed its name to Harry Winston Inc. in 1936.
After he died in 1978, ownership of the company was shared by his son Ronald and a trust for the benefit of his other son, Bruce. Between 2000 and 2006-2008, the company gradually was sold off to Aber Diamond Corp., which became Harry Winston Diamond Corp.
Harry Winston Diamond Corp. sold the Harry Winston name and retail stores to the Swatch Group in 2013.
More on Majors
The Latest
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary CongressThis year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends TalksNearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse CampaignThe “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand DirectorThe precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & ScottThe American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.
