Harry Winston

Accompanied by AGL report no. CS42677 dated July 28, 2010 stating that the topaz weighing 73.48 carats is natural orange color, clarity enhancement: none.

Accompanied by AGL report no. CS42676 dated July 28, 2010 stating that the topaz weighing 31.84 carats is natural orange color, clarity enhancement: none.

Accompanied by GIA report no. 2125143429 dated May 14, 2010 stating that the marquise-shaped diamond weighing 2.44 carats is E color, VVS1 clarity.

Accompanied by 43 additional GIA reports stating that the round, marquise-shaped and pear-shaped diamonds weighing 32.94 carats and ranging from .50 to 1.30 carats are D-F color, VS1-IF clarity.

Accompanied by a Harry Winston catalogue depicting the necklace.

In 1949, hoping to educate the American public about precious jewels and simultaneously raise money for a worthy cause, Harry Winston put on an unprecedented exhibition of some of the world’s most important gemstones, which he dubbed “The Court of Jewels.” For seven days, the Hope Diamond, the Jonker, the Star of the East and an array of other famous diamonds, sapphires and emeralds from the jeweler’s collection were on display at Rockefeller Center, with the proceeds donated to the United Hospital Fund. 

From 1949 to 1953, the Court of Jewels toured the United States and several international cities, supporting a series of local charities. The roster of gemstones would change as jewels were acquired by one set of well-heeled ladies and replaced with new sumptuous baubles for the next round of society belles to enjoy. Many across the country were introduced to the wonders of gemology through the exhibit, and some of them became lifelong clients. In 1958, Harry Winston donated the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institution, where it can be admired to this day. He continued to arrange charity and promotional exhibitions in subsequent years, but none were on the same grand scale as the Court of Jewels.

On November 16, 2010, the Harry Winston flagship salon in New York hosted an event introducing its new Court of Jewels exhibition and collection. The Hope diamond appeared for the first time in a new “Embracing Hope” setting alongside the Lesotho diamond, the Star of Bengal ruby, and a variety of impressive sapphires, emeralds and Paraíba tourmalines. Together, over $1 billion worth of jewels was on display that night, constituting, according to the press release, the largest single showing of fine jewelry at the time. In keeping with the Court of Jewels’ tradition of charitable giving, the company’s CEO Frederic de Narp announced a $1 million donation to the Smithsonian Institution to support educational initiatives. Clients were invited to use Harry Winston’s original historic office to handle and try on the pieces that were available for sale, including a marvelous orange topaz and diamond necklace (lot 69). The impressive size and rich color of the topazes juxtaposed with lush white diamonds is reminiscent of classic historic Harry Winston styles. The ability to arrange the pendants into different configurations is another hallmark of Winston high jewelry and gives the piece great flexibility of wear.