Since its acquisition by Swatch Group in 2013, Harry Winston has kept its long-term strategy somewhat under wraps. However, the luxury jeweler has consistently upheld its legacy of acquiring exceptional, high-profile diamonds and gemstones that captivate global attention.
A Record-Breaking Purchase
This week, Harry Winston made headlines worldwide by purchasing the largest flawless, vivid blue diamond for an astonishing $23.8 million at Christie’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels auction. The 13.22-carat diamond, now named The Winston Blue, set a new record with an unprecedented price of nearly $1.8 million per carat, making it the most expensive blue diamond ever sold at auction.
Expanding a Storied Collection
The acquisition of The Winston Blue enhances Harry Winston’s impressive collection, which already includes the 101.73-carat Winston Legacy, a flawless colorless diamond purchased last year for $26.7 million, setting the record for the priciest colorless diamond in history. The recent Geneva sale grossed over $154.1 million, becoming the highest-grossing jewelry auction ever, surpassing Christie’s 2013 sale of the Elizabeth Taylor collection, which totaled $137.2 million.
Notable Auction Highlights
In addition to The Winston Blue, several other notable pieces topped the auction, including a Belle Epoque diamond brooch by Cartier that sold for $17.5 million, a flawless 75.97-carat pear-shaped D-color diamond fetching over $14.4 million, a 76.51-carat light pink diamond necklace by Leviev that set a new world record for light pink diamonds at $10 million, and The Ocean Dream, a rare 5.50-carat blue-green diamond, which achieved more than $8.6 million, setting a world auction record for blue-green diamonds.
Conclusion
These record-breaking sales highlight the enduring appeal of rare, high-quality diamonds and affirm Harry Winston’s dominance in the luxury jewelry market. With acquisitions like The Winston Blue, the brand further cements its legacy as a leader in acquiring and showcasing the world’s most prestigious gemstones.
