Those who subscribe to the JCKstyle Newsletter, or happened to check out the Book It: Fall Reading, list know that Henry Dunay: A Precious Life is now available to be held in your hot little hands, but what else can we learn about Henry Dunay’s work, pre-purchase?
Well, for those who may need a bit more enticing before picking up Proddow and Fasel’s book, here’s a run down on Dunay and few pictures of his work. Enjoy!
“With more than 50 national and international awards accumulated in his prestigious 50 years in the fine jewelry industry, Henry Dunay continues to dazzle, creating unparalleled jewelry collections characterized by a variety of textures and the world’s rarest gems. Admired globally for his bold and distinctive jewelry, Dunay combines master craftsmanship with trend-setting designs that become the heirlooms of tomorrow.
“Born in New Jersey and a resident in Manhattan for the last 25 years. Dunay maintains a gallery and workshop in Rockefeller Center, where he began his career at the age 14. It wasn’t long before he distinguished himself as a master of the meticulous pave diamond setting technique. By age 21, Dunay went on his own and quickly established the reputation as a creator of one-of-a-kind, original designs using the meticulous pave setting technique. In 1965, he launched Henry Dunay Designs, which has become internationally known for its wide range of fashion forward fine jewelry collections. Guided by a strong sense of fashion and a superb understanding of design, Henry Dunay Designs has become internationally recognized for imaginative and elegant jewelry as well as unique objects of art.
“The jewelry and art of Henry Dunay is immediately recognized by two vital components: balance and softness. Each piece, regardless of size or materials, relies on Dunay’s years of experience in design and craftsmanship to achieve harmony of line and balance. Forms are softly rounded, often with textures added to create the illusion of movement.
“Collections: Every piece of jewelry bearing the signature Henry Dunay is part of a collection named for its hand-engraved textures, precious materials or artistic theme. Among his best-known collections are Faceted, Sabi, Sabi and Diamond, Platinum and Gold, 18k and Diamond Timepieces, Praslin and Cynnabar.
“The elegant jewelry and art of Henry Dunay incorporates several types of products: one-of-a-kind and limited edition jewelry and collectibles; themed collections of earring, necklaces, bracelets and rings; personal accessories and objects ranging from jeweled belt buckles and luxury timepieces to hand carved eggs of natural quartz crystal. Each piece of Dunay jewelry is etched with its own serial number confirming its originality and unique status. Beyond its flawless craftsmanship, each piece of jewelry designed by Henry Dunay is inscribed with the designer’s name and finished with hearts, signifying the designers love for his work and regard for his clients.
“Throughout his career, Dunay has received the highest awards bestowed by the jewelry industry, including more than 50 national and international awards. Most recently, Dunay was named The World’s Best Jewelry Designer by Robb Report Magazine for two consecutive years: 2000 and 2001. In 1982, he was inducted into the Diamonds International Academy as a four time winner of DeBeers’ prestigious Diamonds International Award. In 1989, he was invited to become a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. The same year, Dunay became a founding member and first president of the American Jewelry Design Council, a non-profit organization of America’s top designers dedicated to the recognition of fine jewelry as an art form.
“Committing his time and talent to a variety of deserving causes, Dunay is closely identified with his work for the American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFar) exemplified by his design of the world famous Lachrymosa Diamond Mask, Council of Fashion Designers Seventh on Sale, Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, Make A Wish Foundation, his charitable work for Multiple Sclerosis, the New York Philharmonic, and his support of The Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising at Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.
“Every piece of fine jewelry designed by Henry Dunay is made with the highest level of craftsmanship, representing the epitome of jewelry as art. Each Dunay piece is an expression of art formed by using the Dunay design philosophy: the gem controls the message of the piece. Henry Dunay has always worked around the gemstone to design the perfect background to display its natural beauty. He is a master at creating jeweled harmony using edgy lines and soft curves to balance each of his designs.
““Henry Dunay is a legend in our lifetime. He has an innate sense of rhythm that is reflected in his jewelry designs,” says Joyce Jonas, jewelry professor and president of the Society of Jewelry Historians. She refers to Dunay’s sculptural designs and signature Sabi finish, a hand-textured design that blends 18k gold in a soft, undulating pattern, in her lectures and workshops.
“Every Henry Dunay piece of jewelry is part of a collection named for its hand-engraved textures, precious materials or artistic theme. Among Dunay’s best known collections are Faceted, Sabi, Sabi and Diamond, Platinum and Gold, 18k and Diamond Timepieces, Medea, Color Me Henry, Praslin and Cynnabar.
“Like many of the world’s top designers, Henry Dunay has expanded the body of his work to include sculptures, collectibles, accessories, timepieces, and his latest “liquid” jewel,” SABI, his signature fragrance that is a top seller at Neiman Marcus. Henry Dunay can be found at Neiman Marcus Precious Jewel Salons Nationwide and the world’s finest jewelry stores where his designs are eagerly awaited by both clients and collectors. Each new season invokes a flame of excitement with signature signed pieces, finished with a Dunay heart logo to proclaim the designer’s love for his work and his customers.“ (Source)
And, since the Academy Awards were last night, I found it interesting that Henry Dunay’s “Dove of Peace” pin was worn by the following Oscar winners, nominees and attendees at the 75th Annual Academy Awards in 2003: Adrien Brody; Nicole Kidman; Best Supporting Actor, Chris Cooper (“Adaptation”); Best Original Screenplay writer Pedro Almodovar (“Talk To Her”); Producer, Craig Zadan for Best Picture (“Chicago”); Best Costume Design, Ann Roth (“The Hours“); Daniel Day Lewis; Melissa Rivers; Susan Sarandon; and Kathy Bates.
Awards
2003
Town & Country – Couture Design Awards – Outstanding Achievement in Public Relations
2001
Best In Design: Pearls – Couture Jewellery Collection & Conference
2000
Robb Report Magazine – June – 12th Annual Best of the Best – Jewelry Designer of the World
1999
Robb Report Magazine – June – 11th Annual Best of the Best – Jewelry Designer of the World
Robb Report Magazine – April – Best American Jewelry Designer
1997
Kent State University School of Fashion Design – Hall of Fame
1996
Contemporary Design Group – Hall of Fame
1995
Watch & Clock Review – First Prize
Watch & Clock Review – Citation for Excellence
Watch & Clock Review – Display Award
1994
Watch & Clock Review – Display Award
Diamonds International Award
1993
Life Time Achievement Award – Modern Jeweler Magazine
Diamond Today Award
1989
Spectrum Award – Gemstone/Jewelry Design Competition awarded by the American Gem Trade Association
1988
Intergold Competition – Honorable Mention
Spectrum Award – Gemstone/ Jewelry Design Competition awarded by the American Gem Trade Association
1987
DeBeers’ Men’s Collection Award
1985
Platinum Award – Japan
Diamond Today Award
1984
Spectrum Award – Gemstone/Jewelry Design Competition awarded by the American Gem Trade Association
1983
Johnson Matthey Platinum Design Award
Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cultured Pearl Jewelry Design
1982
Johnson Matthey Platinum Design Award
Diamonds International Academy Induction 3X Diamond International Award Winner
Diamonds International Award 3X Winner
1981
Cultured Pearl Association of Japan Judge’s Prize
International Gold Corp. Grand Prize Winner of Gold Competition
1980
Cultured Pearl Association of Japan Silver Medal Award
Cultured Pearl Association of Japan Award of Honor
1978
Cultured Pearl Association of Japan Graphic Award
1977
Cultured Pearl Association of Japan Graphic Award
Diamonds Today Award
1975
American Manufacturing Jewelers & Silversmiths Award
Diamonds Today Award
1974
American Manufacturing Jewelers & Silversmiths Award
Diamonds for Christmas Award/Diamonds Today Competition
1973
Diamonds for Christmas Award/Diamonds Today Competition
1971
Cultured Pearl Associations of America and Japan Award of Honor
1970
Diamonds for Christmas Award
Cultured Pearl Associations of America and Japan Highest Award for Creation of the Most Outstanding Design
Cultured Pearl Associations of America and Japan Special Award for Excellence in Design
Cultured Pearl Associations of America and Japan Award of Honor
Diamonds International Award
1969
Prix de Ville de Geneve de la Bijouterie, del Joailolerie, de l’Horlogerie et de l’Emaillerie
Cultured Pearl Associations of America and Japan Award of Honor
Cultured Pearl Associations of America and Japan Special Award for Excellence in Design
1968
Cultured Pearl Associations of America – Special Award
Cultured Pearl Associations of America – Honor’s Award
1967
Cultured Pearl Associations of America and Japan Award of Honor
Diamonds International Award
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