Gemstones lay out the philanthropic path of Harry Winston:

June 14, 2015

By Katerina Perez

3 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.”

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.

Photos are courtesy of Harry Winston

The Epic Cluster necklace by Harry Winston

The Epic Cluster necklace by Harry Winston

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

continue reading

Watches and Wonders 2025: The Coolest Watch Novelties

With pastel pops, Pop Art influences, and playful twists on time itself, Watches and Wonders 2025 delivered a vibrant feast of creativity. Discover the fun new watches setting trends in Geneva this spring

by Rachael Taylor

White Hot: Achromatic Jewellery is Having a Moment

Let’s explore the revival of all white jewellery and discover why this look is universally complementary – and a great investment.  

by Rachael Taylor

Reinventing Royalty: The European-Inspired Luxury Behind Isabel Gemology 

I started 2025 with a series of articles titled ‘Jeweller of the Month’ to highlight the true talent among niche designers in the jewellery industry. For May, it is Isabel Delgado, the founder of Isabel Gemology, who I would like to shine the spotlight on.

by Katerina Perez

Watches and Wonders 2025: Eight of the Most Artful Dials 

From lovers kissing on a bridge to precious animals painted in enamel or gems, this year’s watch launches included timepieces with extraordinary dials that blur the line between watchmaking and wearable art.

by Rachael Taylor

Birthday Wishes: Embracing the Power of Being Different 

Today, I want to share my thoughts on embracing your inner self and channelling all that power into your biggest passions…

by Katerina Perez

Flip the Script: Meet the Jewellers Creating Luxury Customised Watches

Jewellery designers are increasingly turning their artistic talents to the world of horology, customising luxury watches with unique embellishments that carry their personal style signatures. From reimagined Rolexes to gemstone-studded bezels, discover how jewellers are making their mark on the world of timepieces

by Rachael Taylor

Iconic Revival: Boucheron Reinvents the Serpent Bohème Jewellery

That nostalgic feeling of seeing past creations—sometimes forgotten, sometimes iconic—sparking a rush of inspiration to reimagine and breathe new life into what once was. That's exactly what Boucheron has achieved with its latest revival: the Serpent Bohème Vintage collection

by Hirshi Sujanti

Art Deco Innovation: Exploring the Iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery Setting

The Mystery Setting by Van Cleef & Arpels stands out as a masterpiece of Art Deco ingenuity. As the world celebrates the centenary of Art Deco in 2025, we are taking the opportunity to spotlight one of the most technically ambitious innovations to emerge from this golden era of jewellery design

by Claire Roberts

Emerald Odyssey: Chopard Unveils its Insofu High Jewellery Collection

There's nothing quite like the thrill of a new collection unveiling. But what truly excites me isn't just the sparkle and glamour – it's when a brand takes a bold and unexpected approach. This is exactly what Chopard has done with its latest Insofu High Jewellery collection, which all started with the extraordinary 6,225-carat 'Insofu' rough emerald. Let's take a closer look at the creations that have emerged from this incredible mineral specimen

by Hirshi Sujanti

Watches and Wonders 2025: The Best Jewellery Watches 

From diamond-drenched serpents to enamelled blooms and secret talismans, these new jewellery watches unveiled in Geneva embody the artistry, emotion and extravagance of high jewellery watchmaking for women

by Rachael Taylor

Refined Character: The Ancient-Meets-Modern Allure of Dionysios Fine Jewels

The Dionysios signature is all about warm, soulful jewellery that’s characterful without being overtly historical or too starkly modern. Let’s take a closer look at some of the brand’s highlights…

by Katerina Perez

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Reinventing Royalty:The European-Inspired Luxury Behind Isabel Gemology

I started 2025 with a series of articles titled ‘Jeweller of the Month’ to highlight the true talent among niche designers in the jewellery industry. For May, it is Isabel Delgado, the founder of Isabel Gemology, who I would like to shine the spotlight on.

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

Writing Adventures:Co-Authoring the Book

Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color

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.