SourcingJan 09, 2025
Reena Ahluwalia Unveils New Works in ‘Diamond Trails’ AnthologySourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond Painting
Reena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
Visual artist Reena Ahluwalia with her painting, “The Legacy of the Winston Red Diamond,” which is now held in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. (Image courtesy of Reena Ahluwalia)
Toronto—Canadian visual artist Reena Ahluwalia’s painting “The Legacy of The Winston Red Diamond,” has been accessioned into the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
It is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
The painting features the ultra-rare “Winston Red” diamond, a 2.33-carat old mine brilliant-cut fancy red diamond. It is the fifth-largest fancy red diamond known to exist.
It was gifted to the museum in 2023 by Harry Winston’s son Ronald Winston, and in April 2025, it was unveiled in a new exhibit.
The only fancy red diamond on public exhibit, the “Winston Red” is displayed in the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals.
Ahluwalia’s painting creates a visual bridge between the stone’s mineralogy and its place in human history, she said, combining its scientific findings, historical significance, and cultural symbolism.
The artwork takes inspiration from a scientific and historical study of the stone authored by Dr. Gabriela A. Farfan, the museum’s Coralyn W. Whitney curator of gems and minerals, and her team, which was published in the spring 2025 issue of GIA’s quarterly journal, “Gems & Gemology.”
The composition traces the diamond’s journey from its likely South American origins to Jacques Cartier’s 1938 sale to Digvijaysinhji, the Indian Maharaja of Nawanagar, also known as the “Good Maharaja,” where it became known as the “Raj Red.”
The red diamond was set in his Ceremonial Necklace of Nawanagar, a Cartier masterpiece that later inspired a replica, the “Toussaint Necklace,” which appeared in the film “Ocean’s 8.”
Winston purchased the diamond from the Maharaja of Jamnagar, Digvijaysinhji’s son, in the late 1980s, and it was later renamed the “Winston Red.”
Related stories will be right here …
It is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
The painting features the ultra-rare “Winston Red” diamond, a 2.33-carat old mine brilliant-cut fancy red diamond. It is the fifth-largest fancy red diamond known to exist.
It was gifted to the museum in 2023 by Harry Winston’s son Ronald Winston, and in April 2025, it was unveiled in a new exhibit.
The only fancy red diamond on public exhibit, the “Winston Red” is displayed in the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals.
Ahluwalia’s painting creates a visual bridge between the stone’s mineralogy and its place in human history, she said, combining its scientific findings, historical significance, and cultural symbolism.
The artwork takes inspiration from a scientific and historical study of the stone authored by Dr. Gabriela A. Farfan, the museum’s Coralyn W. Whitney curator of gems and minerals, and her team, which was published in the spring 2025 issue of GIA’s quarterly journal, “Gems & Gemology.”
The composition traces the diamond’s journey from its likely South American origins to Jacques Cartier’s 1938 sale to Digvijaysinhji, the Indian Maharaja of Nawanagar, also known as the “Good Maharaja,” where it became known as the “Raj Red.”
The red diamond was set in his Ceremonial Necklace of Nawanagar, a Cartier masterpiece that later inspired a replica, the “Toussaint Necklace,” which appeared in the film “Ocean’s 8.”
Winston purchased the diamond from the Maharaja of Jamnagar, Digvijaysinhji’s son, in the late 1980s, and it was later renamed the “Winston Red.”
Dr. Farfan accepted the painting at a ceremony in the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals on May 6.
The work is a conceptual study of endurance, turning geological pressure into a visual statement of resilience, the artist said.
The depiction of the crimson gemstone even features precise mineralogical markers of the real “Winston Red.”
Reena Ahluwalia (left) and Dr. Gabriela Farfan, Coralyn W. Whitney curator of gems and minerals (right), at the May 6 ceremony marking the first contemporary painting accessioned into the National Gem Collection. (Image courtesy of Reena Ahluwalia)
Ahluwalia was in conversation with both Winston and Dr. Farfan throughout her artistic process.
“Art endures beyond its physical form as an idea whose meaning transcends time,” said Ahluwalia.
“I chose to paint the Winston Red because I felt a responsibility to tell its whole story through an artistic lens. Using the diamond as a philosophical prism, my practice treats minerals as analogues for human resilience—formed under pressure, shaped by circumstance, and resilient through adversity.”
The resulting artwork intersects nature, science, and art, framing the diamond as a vessel of cultural and geological memory, the artist said.
She continued, “Ultimately, this painting serves the diamond's history and legacy.”
“When art serves a larger purpose, its impact becomes as enduring as the diamond itself. It is my way of preserving the intangible heritage of the Winston Red Diamond for future generations. I want it to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation—from gem lovers and historians to mineralogists and Earth scientists.”
In addition to “The Legacy of The Winston Red Diamond,” Ahluwalia also created the diamond setting for the Legislative Mace of Ontario, Canada, and is featured on a Belgian postage stamp representing global diamond heritage. Her works are held in permanent museum collections globally.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 BoardSteven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The MetThe exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth LocationThe family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.
CollectionsAug 13, 2026
John Hardy Infuses ‘Icon,’ ‘Heishi’ Collections with ColorThe expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.
