Harry Winston (United States), jewellery and watches

Harry Winston was an American jeweller and watchmaker who was born on March 1, 1896, in New York City. He was known as the "King of Diamonds" and was one of the most prominent figures in the jewellery industry during the 20th century.

Winston's interest in gems started at a young age when he would visit pawnshops to examine jewellery. In 1920, he opened his first jewellery store in New York City and began to build a reputation for himself as a diamond expert. He would often acquire diamonds that had previously been owned by royalty or wealthy individuals, such as the Hope Diamond, which he purchased in 1949.

Throughout his career, Winston became known for his exceptional craftsmanship and the quality of the gems he used in his jewellery. He was also known for his innovative designs, which incorporated new techniques and styles. One of his most famous more... designs was the "Cluster" setting, which was a unique way of arranging diamonds to make them appear larger than they actually were.

In addition to his work in jewellery design, Winston was also an innovator in the watch industry. He created the first wristwatch with a retrograde display, which showed the time in a circular arc rather than a traditional linear display. He also developed the concept of the "dual-time" watch, which allowed travellers to keep track of the time in two different time zones.

Winston's jewellery was worn by many famous figures, including Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. His company, Harry Winston, Inc., continues to be a leading jewellery and watch retailer to this day. Winston passed away in 1978, but his legacy as a master jeweller and watchmaker lives on. less...