The History of the House

A timeline of the key moments and milestones that make up the House's incredible legacy.

1942
1943
1946
1947
1948
1949
1950

1942

Harry Winston moves to 7 East 51st Street

As his business grows, Winston moves into a townhouse adjacent to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The townhouse which holds the showroom, design studio, workshop, and loose stone division, is also home to the Winston family.

1943

The Stotesbury Emerald

Harry Winston acquires one of the most important colored gemstone acquisitions of his career thus far: the Stotesbury Emerald, a remarkable 34.40 carat hexagonal-shaped Colombian emerald. The stone is named for its owner, Eva Stotesbury, a socialite and the wife of a prominent financier.

1946

The Briolette

Mr. Harry Winston purchases a D-color briolette-shaped diamond weighing 90.38 carats from the widow of an American philanthropist. Winston would go on to re-purchase and sell this diamond several times to important collectors across the globe.

1947

King of Diamonds

“Cosmopolitan” magazine bestows Harry Winston with a moniker that will follow him throughout his storied career: “King of Diamonds.”

1948

The Duchess of Windsor

Harry Winston meets the Duke and Duchess of Windsor for the first time. Prior to their meeting, The Duchess, an avid jewelry collector, sends Mr. Winston a letter stating, “My friends tell me you have such wonderful things…” The Duke and Duchess will go on to purchase several pieces of Harry Winston jewelry for their personal collection, including the famed McLean Diamond.

1949

The Court of Jewels

As a dedicated philanthropist, Harry Winston tours many of his most precious and important diamonds and gemstones in a cross-country exhibition called “The Court of Jewels,” with proceeds benefitting leading local charitable organizations. The exhibition tours for four years, concluding in 1953. As Harry explains, “I want the public to know more about precious gems.”

1950

The Winston Garden blooms

Inspired by the symmetry and beauty of one of nature’s most majestic blooms, Harry Winston and his designers first introduce the Sunflower motif.

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