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
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
