Harry Winston

New York, NEW YORK. (November 17, 2010) — It was a celebration of true American beauty and glamour last night in New York City, as legendary King of Diamonds, Harry Winston, unveiled its historic Court of Jewels exhibition for the first time in more than 50 years. More than a $1 billion of the world’s rarest diamonds and most extraordinary gemstones were display at Harry Winston’s Fifth Avenue flagship for a star-studded event attended by: Halle Berry, Leighton Meester, Maxwell, Georgina Chapman, Keren Craig, Rachel Roy Nora Zehetner and Hilary Rhoda.

Exclusively for the evening, the world’s most famous diamond, the Hope Diamond made a special surprise appearance at Harry Winston to commemorate the historic occasion. Also included among the exhibition was a collection of Winston’s most exceptional treasures, rare gemstones and breathtaking designs, both vintage and contemporary.

Formerly owned by Mr. Harry Winston, the Hope Diamond served as the centerpiece of the original “Court of Jewels” exhibition, which toured to major American cities from 1949-1953. The exhibition embodied Mr. Winston’s dream to help “educate the public more about previous gemstones,” while raising money for leading philanthropic causes of the day. In 1958, Mr. Winston donated the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., as a gift to the world.

This extremely rare appearance marked the first time the fabled blue diamond was displayed in its new “Embracing Hope” setting, which was specially designed and handcrafted by Harry Winston’s fine jewelry experts to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Mr. Harry Winston’s historic donation. The new “Embracing Hope” setting will officially go on view to the public in its permanent exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. on November 18, 2010.

Continuing Mr. Winston’s legacy of generosity, President and CEO, Frédéric de Narp, announced to guests the Company’s creation of the new Harry Winston Hope Foundation, which will commit to donating a minimum of 5% of its pre-tax profits to educational causes. The inaugural gift will be given to the Smithsonian. The gift of at least $1 million will support the museums educational initiatives and will come from the future sale of “Embracing Hope” reset with a new precious gemstone.

“In 1958, our founder, Mr. Harry Winston donated his most precious treasure, the Hope Diamond, to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. as a gift to the public. Quite literally – Harry Winston gave hope to the world. This is what we are celebrating tonight,” said Frédéric de Narp, President and CEO of Harry Winston, Inc.

Among the other pieces also on display, highlights from the “Court of Jewels,” include: the legendary 71.73-carat Lesotho I diamond, the Star of Bengal ruby, a rare 66.40-carat Paraiba tourmaline and diamond necklace, a 30-carat deep blue Kashmir sapphire ring, and rare colored diamonds.

The “Court of Jewels” is by invitation only will close on November 18, 2010. A selection of pieces from the collection will travel to Harry Winston salons throughout the US in 2011.

Embracing Hope:





Georgina Chapman and Ning Chang:





Halle Berry with Frédéric de Narp:





Halle Berry:





Hilary Rhoda in the Hope:





Hilary Rhoda:





Leighton Meester:





Rachel Roy:





About the Hope Diamond

The Hope Diamond was among Mr. Winston’s greatest gems. Discovered in India’s Kollur Mine in the mid-1600s, the diamond has had a long list of distinguished owners, including Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette and socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean.

In 1958, Mr. Winston donated the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institute as a gift to the world, which helped to found the National Gem Collection and transformed a former crown jewel into a beloved public treasure that today receives more than 7 million annual visitors (as many as the Mona Lisa). As he famously said: “I want the public to know more about precious gems … a good diamond, ruby, or emerald, however small, is a possession to be prized for generations.”

About the Harry Winston Hope Foundation

Funded through monetary and product donations from Harry Winston, Inc. as well as through proceeds from special events, the Harry Winston Hope Foundation will support philanthropic initiatives worldwide.

Inspired by the philanthropic legacy of its founder, Harry Winston is committed to donating, at a minimum, the equivalent of 5% of the Company’s pre-tax profits to charitable organizations annually, both through Harry Winston, Inc. and through the Harry Winston Hope Foundation.

About Harry Winston, Inc.

Since 1932, Harry Winston’s exquisite fine jewelry and timepiece designs have inspired international clients and connoisseurs. The history of The House of Harry Winston includes some of the most famous jewels in the world, including the Hope Diamond, the Lesotho, and the Jonker. With 20 retail salons worldwide salons in key locations, including New York, Beverly Hills, Paris, London, Tokyo and Hong Kong, Harry Winston jewels are an enduring icon of international glamour.


New York, NEW YORK. (November 18, 2010) – Harry Winston, Inc., the legendary international jeweler and watchmaker, is pleased to announce the creation of Harry Winston Hope Foundation, Inc., a new philanthropic initiative dedicated to inspiring hope and changing lives through education. The Foundation will focus on supporting organizations that remove barriers for disadvantaged youth to obtain a quality education, provide access to cultural and artistic enrichment, and enable healthy futures for underserved populations around the globe, focusing on key regions where the Company has a presence.

Reflecting the philanthropic vision of the Company’s founder, Mr. Harry Winston, who famously donated the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958, the Company will commit to donating annually a minimum of 5% of its pre-tax profits to charitable organizations through Harry Winston Hope Foundation, Inc. and Harry Winston, Inc.

During a press conference at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., it was announced by Harry Winston President and CEO, Frédéric de Narp, that the foundation’s inaugural gift will be given to the Smithsonian commemorating the Company’s continued support of the esteemed institution. Continuing Mr. Winston’s legacy and commitment to the Smithsonian and National Gem Collection, the Company announced a gift of at least $1 million to support the museums educational initiatives and will come from the future sale of “Embracing Hope” reset with a new precious gemstone.