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
Members of the founding family have partnered with Mexican retail company El Puerto de Liverpool to acquire Nordstrom.
The brand has opened its second U.S. location in the Fontainebleau resort and casino.
Associate Editor Lauren McLemore highlights pieces from the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards she’d be thrilled to unwrap on Christmas.
A Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
The move is one of several cost-cutting measures outlined by the company as it faces a weaker luxury market and other challenges.
Associate Editor Natalie Francisco chose her 12 favorite Piece of the Week picks from the year gone by.
Lab clients have the option to request this addition on their emerald reports.
‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.
In the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
Along with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.
The man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.
The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”
The average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.
The nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.
More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.
The videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.
Feldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.
The luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.
Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.
The nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.
The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.
“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.
Gearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.
The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.
DDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.
Estimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.