Founded in New York in 1932, Harry Winston (1896-1978) set the standard for the ultimate in fine jewellery building his legacy as the purveyor of the world’s most exceptional jewels, transforming diamonds and precious gemstones into one-of-a-kind creations through craftsmanship and design. He acquired extraordinary jewels, travelling the world to find the finest diamonds and gemstones for his discerning clientele including Maharajah's, royalty to Hollywood stars, who sought the rarest and most exceptional jewels on the market. The legacy of Harry Winston continues today.
Leading the sale is a magnificent Harry Winston diamond ring, circa 1967. Centering a marquise-cut type IIa diamond of D colour, VVS2 clarity, weighing 29.29 carats, flanked by tapered-baguette cut diamonds, signed Winston. The spectacular ring is offered with an estimate of US$1,300,000-1,900,000.
Caroline Morrissey, Bonhams Director and Head of Jewelry, New York, commented: “We are privileged to present such a wonderful offering in the New York Jewels sale, led by the spectacular collection from a distinguished European family. This exquisitely curated collection features not only two magnificent diamonds, a 29.29 carat Harry Winston marquise, and a 28.19 carat elongated step-cut, but a treasured assortment of elegant jewels featuring designs by Harry Winston, Fred Paris, and Van Cleef & Arpels. This collection is complimented by an impressive 25.51 carat unheated Ceylon sapphire ring also by Harry Winston from a collection in Palm Beach. To have such exceptional designs and stones from the golden age of Harry Winston throughout the auction is a rare phenomenon, and Bonhams is honoured to share the legacy of these collectors with the world."
Also on offer is an impressive Harry Winston sapphire and diamond ring, circa 1968. The central cushion-cut sapphire of Ceylon origin, weighing 25.51 carats is set within a surround of round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 5.50 carats. Offered with an estimate of US$250,000-350,000.
Another highlight is a superb Harry Winston diamond bracelet, circa 1963. Designed with a crossover row of graduated prong-set marquise-shaped diamonds to the row of graduated prong-set baguette and tapered baguette-shaped diamonds, with two central large round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 4.64 carats with a remaining total diamond weight of 31.30 carats. The stylish design is offered with an estimate of US$180,000- 280,000.
Other notable Harry Winston jewels include:
• A pair of Harry Winston diamond earclips with detachable natural pearl enhancers, circa 1961. The cluster design is set with pear-shaped and marquise-cut diamonds totalling 10.20 carats, suspending a detachable drop-shaped natural saltwater pearl. Offered with an estimate of US$120,000-180,000.
• A Harry Winston diamond ring, centring a marquise-cut diamond, D colour, SI1 clarity, weighing 4.49 carats, accented by tapered baguette-cut diamonds, signed Winston. Offered with an estimate of US$45,000-75,000.
Other New York Jewels highlights include:
• An impressive diamond ring with an emerald-cut diamond, type IIa, D colour, VVS2 clarity, weighing 28.19 carats, flanked by tapered-baguette-cut diamonds. Offered with an estimate of US$1,200,000-1,800,000.
• A Fred Paris sapphire and diamond foliate design necklace with a detachable brooch pendant. The design features a central blue sapphire of Ceylon origin, weighing approximately 47.70 carats, accented by pavè-set diamond petals, to the necklace comprising a motif of round brilliant-cut diamonds and sapphires. Offered with an estimate of US$150,000-250,000.
• An impressive fancy deep brownish pinkish orange diamond ring, VS1 clarity, weighing 12.21 carats, flanked by trapezoids. Offered with an estimate of US$400,000-600,000.
• An emerald and diamond ring, centering a rectangular-shaped emerald of Colombian origin, weighing 5.50 carats, flanked by emerald-cut diamonds; Offered with an estimate of US$100,000-150,000.
• A Boucheron emerald and diamond brooch. Centering an emerald-cut Colombian emerald, weighing 4.96 carats, set within cascading rows of baguette-cut diamonds weighing 3.75 carats. Signed Boucheron, Paris. Offered with an estimate of US$80,000-120,000.
