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Black Tie International:
50th Anniversary of Harry
Winston's
Historic Donation of the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian
Institution
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50th Anniversary of
Harry Winston's
Historic Donation of
the Hope Diamond to
the
Smithsonian
Institution
Photos Courtesy of
Harry Winston, Inc
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Harry Winston President and CEO, Frédéric de Narp
and Halle Berry at the Court of Jewels Event,
November 16, 2010
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Washington, DC.
(November 18, 2010) -
In celebration of
the 50th Anniversary of Harry Winston's
historic donation of the Hope Diamond to the
Smithsonian Institution, the new "Embracing
Hope" setting for the legendary gem
officially debuted during a press conference
this morning in Washington, D.C. This
marks the first time ever that the fabled
45.52-carat deep blue gem has been exhibited
in a new jewelry setting since it was given
to the museum by Mr. Winston in November
1958 to help found the National Gem
Collection.
Designed and handcrafted in the Harry
Winston design studio and jewelry workshop
in New York, the temporary "Embracing Hope"
setting suspends the Hope Diamond in a
sculptural ribbon of 340 baguette diamonds
set into platinum. Eight master jewelers
devoted more than 1,000 hours to creating
the exquisite new setting, which was
selected from three different Winston
designs by popular vote in an online poll in
2009.
Behind-the-scenes footage of the making of
the necklace is featured in the new
documentary Mystery of the Hope Diamond,
scheduled to air on the Smithsonian Channel
on November 21, 2010, including exclusive
coverage of
Estée Lauder global spokesmodel Hilary Rhoda
wearing the jewel during an exclusive photo
shoot at the museum.
The centerpiece of the National Gem
Collection, the Hope Diamond was given to
the museum by Mr. Winston as a gift to the
world and to "help educate the public more
about precious stones." One of the most
renowned museum icons in the world, the Hope
Diamond is today the most visited object in
the entire Smithsonian, receiving more than
7 million visitors annually.
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
museum's educational initiatives, which will
be generated by the future sale of
"Embracing Hope" reset with a new precious
gemstone. Harry Winston's gift to the
Smithsonian marks the inaugural gift of the
Company's newly created Harry Winston Hope
Foundation, dedicated to inspiring hope and
changing lives through education.
Earlier this week (Tuesday), the Hope
Diamond made an extremely rare appearance in
New York City at Harry Winston's Fifth
Avenue salon for the Company's historic
recreation of its Court of Jewels
exhibition, featuring more than $1 billion
of Harry Winston fine jewelry and gemstones.
ABOUT HARRY WINSTON
HOPE FOUNDATION, INC.
Harry Winston Hope Foundation, Inc.
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.
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. For more information
on Harry Winston, please visit the website
at
www.harrywinston.com
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