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
Starboard Luxury is bringing the Italian brand aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s newest yacht.
The pendant, circa the late 1700s, likely was commissioned to remember a loved one who died young.
It features the brand’s products in the precious color, semi-precious color, pearl, diamond, gold, and sterling silver categories.
From protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
For her annual Halloween story, Associate Editor Lenore Fedow pairs fine jewelry with classic and contemporary Halloween costumes.
Sales fell 15 percent for the luxury conglomerate in the third quarter, led by a 26 percent drop in sales for flagship brand Gucci.
The education offerings include a diamond cutting demonstration, a session with JVC President Sara Yood, and a seminar on AI.
This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
The book features new styles and revived favorites.
Aimed at a generation that emphasizes self-care and mental health, “Worth the Wait” breaks new ground in the world of diamond advertising.
Editor Lauren McLemore immersed herself in New York Bridal Fashion Week to better understand the role fine jewelry plays on the big day.
The jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.
They’re available through a retailer that sells luxury products inspired by the lifestyle of Batman’s billionaire civilian persona.
The watchmaker is selling 1,000 “Waterbury” watches for $1 each in celebration of its 170th anniversary.
Launched by De Beers in 2018, the program aims to develop a responsible sourcing model for the artisanal/small-scale diamond mining sector.
The new “Ouche” collection brings sculptural designs to the brand, while the expanded “Daystar” collection brings a rainbow of colors.
The auction house said the gemstone could fetch up to $5.5 million at next month’s sale.
From prioritizing the customer experience to optimizing inventory, columnist Emmanuel Raheb shares the keys to a successful holiday season.
Journalist Priya Raj plans to use the scholarship funds to further her media qualifications and amplify marginalized communities.
It marks the first championship win in the team’s 28-year history.
It will start with rough diamonds that are larger than 1.25 carats and later expand to rough diamonds that are above 1 carat.
The capsule collection is inspired by friendship and connection, with a nod to ‘80s fashion.
The New York socialite’s elegant, transformable piece from the 1960s is headed to auction later this month.
Texas jeweler Susan Eisen and NAJA’s Gail Brett Levine discuss how lab-grown diamonds have altered the landscape for jewelry appraisers.
On the verge of retirement, Kennedy recounts the most stressful stretch of his time at JSA and reveals what he’ll miss about the industry.
Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos’ secrets to success are listening to her team and leaning on data to make decisions.
Part of the Welsh singer’s extensive jewelry collection, the bathtub-shaped Cartier watch went for nearly $72,000 at Sotheby’s Paris.