New York City regularly provides jewelry designers with plentiful inspiration, whether it’s the Chrysler building’s art deco spire, the tree-lined cobblestone streets of DUMBO, or even the idea of a cocktail party held at the height of the city’s Bonfire of the Vanities era.
But in the case of a jeweler like Harry Winston, when the heartbeat of the brand relies on the essence of New York as much as its famous diamonds, a high jewelry collection inspired by the various neighborhoods, landmarks, and destinations that were important to Winston is going to be an unforgettable crosstown journey—a whir of diamonds and gemstones that leaves you dizzy with excitement.
The Big Apple has been a source of inspiration for Harry Winston designers since the house opened its doors in 1932; for the New York Collection, which launched last month, the current design team embarked on a romp through “Harry’s New York,” from the brownstones of Winston’s birthplace on the Upper West Side to the colors and schematics of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline’s blaze of colorful lights, not to mention the resplendent decor of the Harry Winston salon at 718 Fifth Avenue.
Below, a look at some of the creations and what inspired them.
The Chandelier suite captures the glittering brilliance of the gilded bronze chandelier that hangs in the salon.
The 718 Marble Marquetry diamond and sapphire series of necklaces, earrings, and rings draws inspiration from the salon’s signature black-and-white marble detailing.
Recalling Winston’s favorite diamond cut, as well as the seven gold-plated vitrines that lined the walls of the salon, the 718 Emerald Vitrine pieces pair Colombian emeralds with a bouquet of multi-shape diamonds.
Located just blocks away from his office, New York City’s Central Park often provided a fresh perspective to Winston and his designers, who were always looking to the beauty of nature for inspiration.
Railroads played an important role in Winston’s life and he would often rely on this mode of transportation in his quest for rare stones. Throughout the early 1900s, cast-iron eagles adorned many New York City buildings, including the original Grand Central Depot.
The majestic Eagle jewels feature colorless and fancy yellow diamonds—masterfully set to mimic a bird in flight—and offer a salute to the brand’s New York heritage.
Eagle earrings with two pear-shape fancy yellow diamonds and 42 pear-shape, marquise, and round brilliant diamonds in 18k yellow gold and platinum, price on request
Top image: Highlights from the New York Collection by Harry Winston include the Central Park Mosaic Ring with aquamarines, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds set in platinum; the City Lights necklace with white and yellow diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies set in platinum; and the City Lights earrings with white and yellow diamonds and emerald-cut emeralds.
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