Amethyst Cluster necklace, earrings, and ring by Harry Winston.
Photo: Courtesy of Harry Winston
Harry Winston’s Nature-Inspired High-Jewelry Makes the Perfect Spring Statement
The famed New York jewelry house translates nature’s beauty into wondrous works of art with rare diamonds and brightly colored gemstones
"Rubellite Cluster ring featuring a 3.55 carat rubellite, spessartite garnet, yellow sapphire, pink sapphire, diamond set in 18K yellow gold and 18K yellow gold and platinum by Harry Winston. Photo: Courtesy of Harry Winston
The natural world has been a source of inspiration in art and jewelry ever since ancient times. And perhaps nowhere is that more evident in the stunning, artful jewels designed by American jeweler Harry Winston, who founded the House in 1932 in New York City. While best known for his discerning eye and innate ability to discover the rarest of stones, it was Harry Winston’s deep love of flowers and the natural world that sparked inspiration in some of his most iconic designs. Seeking to reflect the unique beauty of nature, Mr. Winston would immortalize his favorite blooms and natural motifs with rare diamonds and brightly colored gemstones, crafting wondrous creations beloved by everyone from Hollywood and high society to royalty.
Cluster necklace featuring a 38.88-carat sapphire with 179 diamonds set in platinum by Harry Winston. Photo: Courtesy of Harry Winston
It was an encounter with a decorative holly wreath hanging on his door during the holidays that sparked Mr. Winston’s first ever nature-inspired creation, which debuted in the 1940s. Impressed by the way the leaves were shaped and how the snow glistened on the surface, he set out to achieve this same effect in jewelry. Considered his most important design, it was a relatively simple idea but one that would revolutionize the art of jewelry-making. Winston sought to do away with the traditional gemstone settings and instead focus the attention on the stone itself, enhancing its natural beauty and uniqueness of the form.
Yellow diamond Cluster necklace featuring 26 yellow diamonds weighing 32.13 carats with 132 diamonds weighing 27.03 carats set in 18K yellow gold and platinum by Harry Winston with a pair of Yellow diamond Cluster drop earrings featuring diamond set in 18K yellow gold and platinum by Harry Winston. Photo: Courtesy of Harry Winston
Now regarded as the brand’s signature technique, the “Winston Cluster” unites pear, marquise, and round brilliant stones set at varying angles to illuminate each stone from every side. Since that pivotal moment, nature has continued to play an important role throughout the house’s history.
An Amethyst Cluster necklace featuring 24 amethysts, 24 aquamarines, 24 peridots, 24 rubellite, 12 pink sapphires, 6 blue sapphires, 6 tsavorites, and 36 diamonds; Amethyst Cluster earrings; and an Amethyst Cluster ring, all set in 18K yellow gold and platinum by Harry Winston. Photo: Courtesy of Harry Winston
Below, we share a selection of the most incredible high-jewelry masterpieces that celebrate the spirit of an everlasting Winston garden in full bloom. And unlike the perennials after which they are modelled, these jewels burst with life throughout each season and are sure to be appreciated for generations to come.
Winston Bouquette necklace featuring 10 blue sapphires weighing 26.04 carats, 4 pink sapphires weighing 9.50 carats, and 235 diamondss set in platinum by Harry Winston. Photo: Courtesy of Harry Winston
Winston Bouquette bracelet featuring 12 blue sapphires weighing 19.92 carats, 12 pink sapphires weighing 18.89 carats, and 88 diamonds weighing 18.48 carats set in platinum by Harry Winston. Photo: Courtesy of Harry Winston
A ring set featuring a 25.33 carat yellow diamond center and 162 yellow diamonds set in 18K yellow gold by Harry Winston. Photo: Courtesy of Harry Winston
Rubellite Cluster necklace featuring 24 rubellites, 24 spessartite garnets, 12 yellow sapphires, 24 pink sapphires, and 72 diamonds set in 18K yellow gold and 18K yellow gold and platinum by Harry Winston. Photo: Courtesy of Harry Winston
Rubellite Cluster earrings featuring spessartite garnet, yellow sapphire, pink sapphire, diamond set in 18K yellow gold and 18K yellow gold and platinum by Harry Winston. Photo: COURTESY OF HARRY WINSTON
Forget-Me-Not Diamond Lariat Necklace with rubies set in platinum by Harry Winston. Photo: COURTESY OF HARRY WINSTON
Three sunflower rings with diamonds set in platinum by Harry Winston. Photo: Courtesy of Harry Winston
Tanzanite Cluster earrings featuring 2 tanzanites weighing 7.95 with aquamarine, peridot, tsavorite, and diamond, set in platinum by Harry Winston. Photo: Courtesy of Harry Winston
A drop necklace featuring a cushion-cut 9.57 carat Paraiba tourmaline 245 diamonds weighing 45.71 carats set in platinum by Harry Winston. Photo: COURTESY OF HARRY WINSTON
Cover: Amethyst Cluster necklace, earrings, and ring by Harry Winston.
Photo: Courtesy of Harry Winston
