Harry Winston Diamond Shines at $362,500

CHICAGO – A spectacular 7.40-carat, D color pear shape Harry Winston diamond ring dazzled bidders, selling for $362,500 at Hindman’s “Important Jewelry Auction” September 13.

In 1947, “Cosmopolitan” magazine bestowed Winston with a moniker that would follow him throughout his career: “King of Diamonds.” An innate gemologist with an intuitive mastery of his trade, Winston traveled the globe in his quest to find the world’s finest diamonds and gemstones for his vast portfolio of discerning clientele.

The Type IIa D color pear shape diamond ring is a quintessential jewel from Winston. Among the most highly-watched lots heading into the auction, this ring certainly didn’t disappoint with its strong price realized.

Harry Winston Diamond — Harry Winston diamond ring, $362,500.

Courtesy Hindman

Winston (1896–1978) donated the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958 after owning it for a decade. He also traded the Portuguese Diamond to the Smithsonian in 1963 in exchange for 3,800 carats of small diamonds. Winston founded Harry Winston Inc. in New York City in 1932.

While Winston spent millions of dollars on diamonds, he famously spent pennies to ship them around the world. In 1935, he sent the legendary Jonker Diamond (726 carats) from London to New York via the U.S. Postal Service for 64 cents, and in 1958 he shipped the priceless 45.52-carat Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institute for $145.29. His philosophy: “If you can’t trust the United States mail, who can you trust?”