A New Book Delves Into the Dramatic Life of Harry Winston
One of the famed jeweler’s sons has written a biography on the “King of Diamonds.”
It was no different for the family of Harry Winston, according to a forthcoming biography, “King of Diamonds: Harry Winston, the Definitive Biography of an American Icon,” written by his eldest son, Ronald Winston, alongside author William Stadiem.
In the book out this fall from Skyhorse Publishing—a publishing house with its own share of drama—readers will get one perspective on the protracted years-long battle between Winston’s sons, Ronald and Bruce Winston, that culminated in the company’s sale about two decades after Harry’s death in 1978.
The years before the battle of the brothers are perhaps even more interesting.
The book begins with Harry’s incredible origin story.
The son of poor Ukrainian Jewish immigrants who operated a jewelry store, Harry Winston was born Harry Weinstein.
Harry showed his proclivity for the family trade when, at only 12 years old, he recognized an emerald in a tray of costume jewelry. He purchased the stone for $0.25, reselling it for $800, an enormous amount at the turn of the 20th century.
King of Diamonds charts his path to operating his own business at age 24, first called “The Premier Diamond Company,” and then “Harry Winston, Inc.” in 1932, signaling his transformation to jewelry manufacturer who counted presidents and royalty as his clients.
Harry went on to acquire some of the most important gems of his time, like the 726-carat rough “Jonker Diamond” in 1935, which he had cut into 12 stones, the largest a 125.35-carat diamond.
Other important acquisitions included the 34.4-carat “Stotesbury Emerald,” and a 90.38-carat, D-color briolette diamond that he sold and repurchased several times.
By the 1950s, Life Magazine estimated Harry to have the second most important collection of jewels in the world behind the British Royal Family.
Marilyn Monroe name-checked the legend in the song “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” from the iconic film “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.”
In 1958, Harry famously donated the “Hope Diamond” to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., helping to establish its National Gem Collection.
In the 1960s, Harry purchased a 241-carat rough diamond, cutting it into a 69.42-carat pear-shaped diamond that Richard Burton eventually bought for Elizabeth Taylor, referred to as the “Taylor-Burton Diamond.”
The same decade saw Harry’s purchase of the 601-carat rough “Lesotho Diamond,” which was cut into 18 stones. Aristotle Onassis acquired its resulting 40.42-carat marquise diamond from Harry as an engagement ring for Jacqueline Kennedy.
King of Diamonds recounts Harry’s incredible legacy from the ultimate insider’s view, as Harvard-educated son Ronald forewent a career in chemistry and rocket propulsion to work alongside Harry in the family business at the patriarch’s behest.
Ronald expanded the brand’s footprint to Los Angeles, Hawaii, Japan, and China, and placed an emphasis on red-carpet dressing, lending jewelry to stars for events like the Oscars.
Harry died in 1978, while Ronald eventually retired from his executive role at the business several years after the decade-long fight over money and control with his brother Bruce, in 2008.
At that time, he shared his plans to write his father’s biography.
“King of Diamonds” is slated for release on Sept. 19. It's available for pre-order from a number of book sellers.
The Latest
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.