Jeweller to the Stars: Gemstones Lay Out The Philanthropic Path of Harry Winston

June 14, 2015

By Katerina Perez

2 min read

The history of Harry Winston, jewellery brand, is filled with sparkle of precious stones and dazzling legends that are associated with the world of rare and extraordinary gems. No wonder Harry Winston was often called the ‘King of Diamonds’ and ‘Jeweller to the Stars’. His jewellery has always revolved around gemstones that dictated the design.

The lifeline of Harry Winston brand can be tracked through the acquisition of precious gemstones. After the company was founded in 1932, Harry Winston bought his first important diamond in 1935 – Jonker (uncut rough diamond), weighing 726 cts which was found at the Elandsfontein mine in South Africa a year before. A few years later, in 1938, another impressive stone – Vargas diamond – weighing 726.6 cts became a part of Winston’s gemstone collection.

The Epic Cluster necklace by Harry Winston

The Epic Cluster necklace by Harry Winston

It is not only important gems that became an integral part of the Harry Winston brand but also its involvement in philanthropic activities. In January 2015, Harry Winston Inc. announced their new partnership with AmFAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research. The jewellery company agreed to support the organisation in various ways: from direct financial support to promotion of AmFAR’s efforts to overcome the AIDS epidemic through innovative research.

On May 21, an AmFAR gala auction was held in collaboration with Harry Winston Inc., who donated a one-of-a-kind Epic Cluster diamond necklace with 208 pure stones, totalling 32.99 cts. A gorgeous pear-shaped diamond, set in the centre of the necklace, resembled a similar stone, which once belonged to Elizabeth Taylor, the Hollywood actress who was one of the founders of AmFAR charitable organisation. The Epic Cluster necklace became a tribute to the three-year successful collaboration between Harry Winston and AmfAR, and was eventually sold at the auction for €450,000.

The Epic Cluster necklace by Harry Winston

The Epic Cluster necklace by Harry Winston

Nayla Hayek, CEO of Harry Winston, Inc, said: “As the ‘King of Diamonds,’ Mr Harry Winston believed that life’s most cherished moments should be marked with jewels that were equally as memorable and rare. We could not have imagined a more fitting occasion than amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS Gala to continue this exceptional tradition.”

She also added: “With the Epic Cluster, we not only honour the brilliant philanthropic legacies of those that inspired the design, but we also commemorate our milestone partnership with amfAR and our support of its epic mission to end the global AIDS epidemic, so all people worldwide can have a more brilliant and healthy future.”

The Epic Cluster necklace by Harry Winston

The Epic Cluster necklace by Harry Winston

With its support representing the single largest corporate partnership in the organisation’s history, Harry Winston is the first company to serve as the presenting sponsor for amfAR’s 27 gala events over the next three years, and is the leading supporter of amfAR’s research initiative, Countdown to a Cure.

Faraone Mennella: We Brought Jewellery With A New Concept To The US Market

continue reading

Jewellery Manifesto: Tracing Three Pivotal Decades with Pomellato Collezione 1967

With Collezione 1967, Pomellato is presenting its ‘Jewellery Manifesto’ through 75 pieces, each inspired by one of three revolutionary decades in its creative history: the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Let’s take a closer look at the Maison’s artistic signatures, reinvented for a new generation of high jewellery lovers… 

by Sarah Jordan

Pink City Style: The Best-Selling Reversible Jewels of Gyan Jaipur

I would like to tell you more about the brand, its origin story, design inspirations and its popular Jaipur and Yami collections

by Katerina Perez

Fabulous Futures: Le Vian Unveils its 2026 Jewellery Trends in Las Vegas

Here's a rundown of what was included this year…

by Sarah Jordan

Exceptional Splendour: Jaipur Gems Celebrates 50 Years with Abu Dhabi Opening and New High Jewels 

Let me take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Abu Dhabi boutique and share some of my sparkling highlights

by Katerina Perez

Radiating Confidence: The Mother-Daughter Energy Behind Growing Brand Aponine

As one of this year’s Couture show debutants, Turkish brand Aponine impressed me with its blend of colourful creativity, timeless elegance, and stylish femininity. Let’s take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Sensual Silhouettes: Jewels with Curves in All the Right Places

Is it getting hot in here, or is it just us? As jewellers swap sharp lines for shapely swirls, we look at new collections that are embracing the raw power of sensuality inspired by the female form

by Rachael Taylor

Artistic Realms: The Enchanting Natural World of Histoire D’Elle

I had the pleasure of speaking with Pascale Van Maele, the Brand Manager of Histoire d'Elle, which celebrates the deep-rooted connection between quiet femininity, elegance and natural forms. Let's explore together…

by Sarah Jordan

Spinel Stories: Celebrating the Special Allure of Spinels with the House of Gübelin 

I visited the Geneva boutique of the family-owned business to indulge my passion for this overlooked gemstone and explore some of its beautiful creations…

by Katerina Perez

Golden Hour: Cosmic Creations in the Chanel Reach for the Stars High Jewellery Collection

The Reach for the Stars collection bounces between cosmic constellations of diamonds, elaborate, almost mythological neckwear, and starbursts of coloured stones, all with the Maison’s Parisian flair

by Sarah Jordan

Ultimate Guide to Promise Rings: What They Mean, How to Wear One and Where to Buy

While the promise ring's meaning has evolved, its emotional weight remains, making it especially popular among Gen Z and millennial couples seeking the perfect, personal pre-engagement jewel

by Claire Roberts

Exquisite Escapes: The Idyllic Inspirations Behind the Diorexquis High Jewellery Collection

In early May 2025, Dior Joaillerie's Artistic Director Victoire de Castellane showcased an unprecedented high jewellery collection, Diorexquis, to more than 300 VIPs at the Château de la Colle Noire in the heart of Provence. Let's take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Epic Evolution:Miseno Launches the Arco Collection to Celebrate a Fabulous Decade

I am pleased to present to you my highlights of the new Arco High Jewellery collection, which was formally showcased to the jewellery world at Couture from June 4-8, 2025

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

In Conversation:Discussing Paraiba - The Legacy of a Color

with Vogue Singapore

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.