Harry Winston

In January 1934, on the alluvial deposits of the Elandsfontein Mine near Pretoria in South Africa, an employee of prospector Jacobus Jonker unearthed a remarkable rough gem weighing 726 carats—the fourth largest gem-quality diamond known at the time. The exceptional size and clarity of this stone quickly drew the attention of major players in the diamond industry. It was acquired by the Diamond Producers Association and later purchased in 1935 by legendary jeweler Harry Winston.

Before the rough was cleaved, Winston famously staged a publicity event that captured the world’s attention: the massive diamond was photographed in the hands of child star Shirley Temple. The image was widely circulated, cementing both Winston’s flair for spectacle and the Jonker’s status as a media sensation. The acquisition of the Jonker proved to be a turning point in Harry Winston’s career, firmly establishing his legacy as a legend in the diamond industry.

Soon after, Winston commissioned master cutter Lazare Kaplan to undertake the risky process of dividing the diamond—making it the first important diamond to be cut in the United States. After a year of meticulous study and planning, Kaplan successfully cleaved and cut the Jonker into 13 smaller stones.

The largest resulting stone, known as Jonker I, was initially cut to 142.90 carats then later recut to approximately 125.35 carats. Over the years, Jonker I passed through the hands of royalty and private collectors: it was sold to Egypt’s King Farouk in 1951 and later to Nepal’s Queen Ratna.

The history of the other 12 diamonds is not as well documented. Among them was Jonker VI, originally fashioned as a 24.91-carat emerald-cut, and offered here as lot 60. Though the diamond has been recut to 22.85 carats, the Gemological Institute of America was able to verify using spectroscopic methods that lot 60 was indeed cut from the same rough as Jonker I. Sotheby’s is pleased to reintroduce Jonker VI, set in a quintessential Harry Winston mounting, to the public.