Architectural icons are often tricky to bring home or collect. We’re left to gaze at photographs, prints, or coffee-table books for regular viewing (if we’re lucky, our windows might provide optimal and frequent viewing opportunities). The House of Harry Winston tapped into this common and unfortunate plight and released a new collection of diamond jewelry and timepieces inspired by the Solomon R. Guggenheim. Available for purchase at Harry Winston salons worldwide and at www.Guggenheim.org, fans of the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright building can now wear the spiraling New York museum via pendant, ring, cufflink, or chronograph. It’s a perfect gift for design and architectural aficionados this holiday season or for any occasion. And as an added incentive (as if you need one), a portion of the profits will benefit the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation’s educational programming.

The name Tiffany is synonymous with elegance. The founder and owner of Tiffany & Co., Charles Lewis Tiffany, made a reputation so enduring that a particular setting of his own design carries his name to this day and is considered one of the standard options for setting the most priceless diamonds. The Tiffany setting is designed to display the diamond in a way that it is most availed of what it needs to show its beauty to the world: light. Set on six prongs, diamonds in a Tiffany setting truly sparkle. For gems that deserve to be set in a way that unavoidably draws the eye to them, it is one of the best and serves as a testament to Tiffany’s sensitivity to the artistic display of such beautiful stones.

Harry Winston, 1896-1978, is a legend in the world of jewelers. Not only did he work with some of the most famous gems in the world, he worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood and was known as the preferred jeweler for film celebrities. Winston had an abiding love of diamonds and was the owner of the Hope Diamond, possibly the most famous diamond in all the world. As any jeweler is wont to do, Winston wanted the world to see for themselves the beauty of this spectacular gem and, to that end, he donated it to the Smithsonian Institute in the late 1950’s where it still resides today.

Winston’s clients included the one celebrity who, aside from Marilyn Monroe, is probably most associated with diamonds: Elizabeth Taylor. Elizabeth Taylor was given a diamond that weighed over 69 carats by her husband Richard Burton. Burton once joked that, if their movie careers should falter, they could sell the diamonds of which they were so famously fond to make ends meet. Winston’s association with Hollywood continues until this day. Over 30 years after his death, the stars still seek his creations when they’re going to be seen on the red carpet at Hollywood’s biggest events. A $20 million recreation of the “Heart of the Ocean” diamond owned by Kate Winslet’s character in the 1997 film “Titanic” was made by Winston’s company. His Harry Winston Diamond Company endures to this day.

When shopping for diamonds, customers are often advised to pay attention to the cut of the gem, one of the four C’s in the mnemonic they often use to remind themselves of the marks of quality. Famous jewelers often patent their own cuts as a way of distinguishing themselves from others and of establishing themselves as authorities in the gem cutting world. The famous Israeli diamond cutter Gabi Tolkowsky patented the Eternal cut, a very complex cut that features a flower-like pattern of facets, that is currently offered only from the Gerrard Company of England. This company also made a recreation of the “Heart of the Sea” diamond from “Titanic”, though their necklace used a sapphire in place of the blue diamond that was the centerpiece of the jewelry in the film.

The most distinguished gem-cutters often become collectors themselves, and are sometimes tasked with working with the most precious of all stones. In some cases, they also broker some of the most well-known diamonds in the world and, in doing so, further cement their reputation and legend as among those whose life’s work is more distinguished by their association with such great wealth. Charles Lewis Tiffany, for example, acquired a portion of the French Crown Jewels, which further elevated him in status among his peers. Having in his possession the famous Hope Diamond did nothing to diminish the reputation of Harry Winston, to be certain. His longevity and prosperity, ironically, cast doubt upon one of the legends surrounding the diamond itself: that it’s possessor inherits a curse.

The work of famous jewelers represents some of the most expensive art in the world. Though this art is wearable, it is oftentimes found displayed, as in the case of the hope diamond, or in the collections of individuals who possess such items as a type of investment. The value of such items, as it tends to increase with age, precludes many of them from being worn. Like the gems from which their created, however, whether they’re worn or displayed, their beauty is, indeed, forever.

When New York jeweler, Harry Winston, decided to donate the fabled Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institution, he chose first class mail. “It’s the safest way to mail gems,” Winston was quoted as saying. The delivery from New York City to Washington, D.C., cost Winston $2.44 in postage, and an additional $142.85 for a million dollars’ worth of insurance.

Letter carrier James Todd picked up the diamond at City Post Office and drove to the Natural History building, where he delivered it to the curator. Afterward, Todd told the Washington Post that he felt “a little shaky,” not because of the enormous value of the 45.52 carat diamond, but because he was not used to getting so much attention at his job.

GLITTERING gems, fine jewellery and luxury watches will be showcased at a major exhibition opening in Bahrain next week.

Jewellery Arabia 2009 will be held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIEC).

The event, now in its 18th series, runs from November 17 until November 21.

More than 600 companies from 30 countries will take part, occupying a total floor area of 18,000 square metres.

Collectively, they form the largest display of precious gems, finished jewellery and luxury watches in the Middle East, say organisers.

Two temporary halls have been commissioned to extend existing facilities at the BIEC for the fourth year in a row to meet high demand for space for the show, they said.

“Despite the current global economic climate, Jewellery Arabia 2009 has sold out to capacity,” said Arabian Exhibition Management sales and marketing director Fawzi Al Shehabi.

“The international watch and jewellery industry is looking to the Middle East for growth and the exhibition is a proven trade gateway to this important economic sector.”

Jewellery Arabia 2009 will feature a number of new companies looking to break into the region, including the first time participation of a pavilion of Malaysian jewellers co-ordinated by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

Eminent jewellery houses and watch manufacturers making a comeback at the expo include Audemars Piguet, Cartier, Chopard, De Beers, Graff Diamonds, Harry Winston, Hublot, Patek Phillipe and Piaget amongst numerous others.

Country pavilions from Brazil, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia and Thailand, in addition to a strong GCC and Lebanese contingent complements the line up.

Among them are some of the kingdom’s leading jewellers, including Bahrain Jewellery Centre, Asia Jewellers, Al Mahmood Pearls and Al Zain, say organisers.

They will bring together collections of famous international brands in boutique formats, they said.

The designs of local jewellers will also be spotlighted by a pavilion of Bahrain jewellers, co-ordinated by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Many of the exhibiting companies will once again have an exclusive presence at the expo, offering upwards of 40,000 visitors a unique preview of the global jewellery and watch market.

“Giant luxury goods firms exhibit alongside smaller designers of unique one-off pieces, an exotic mix of national pavilions and a vast selection of the finest non-branded products from all over the world.”

Last year’s exhibition attracted more than 42,000 visitors. Of the total, 26 per cent were drawn from Saudi Arabia, say organisers, adding there was also significant support from Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, the UAE and other neighbouring countries.

“The exhibition’s enthusiastic consumer following continues to reflect the region’s passion for fine jewellery, which has succeeded in creating one of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets,” said Mr Al Shehabi.

Meanwhile, Middle East Watches, Jewellery and Pen Awards will be held on the sidelines of Jewellery Arabia 2009 for the fourth consecutive year at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa on November 17. The awards, hosted by MPPArabia, are the culmination of an online public voting system and the analysis of an elite committee comprising watch, jewellery and pen collectors, connoisseurs and aficionados with no direct commercial ties to the industry.

The opening ceremony will be a star-studded event with the expected presence of invited dignitaries, royalty, celebrities, leading socialites, top ranking officials and senior professionals representing the international watch, jewellery and pen industries, say organisers.

Jewellery Arabia will open from 4pm to 10pm daily. An exclusive ladies-only morning will be held on November 19 from 10am to 1pm.

This Harry Winston Marquesa Precious stones Watch is the ultimate in watch luxury. The punch is brindled with 115 diamonds, case drop-shaped in platinum , bezel with 38 diamonds, azure bottle with glareproof analysis on both sides, platinum set band with 116 diamonds.

Quartz movement, adumbration of hours and minutes, water-resistant up to 30 meters.

In Paris, the world-famous jewelry store to become the object of armed robbery have been rare. Last year in December, the United States Harry Winston jewelry store in Paris, has also suffered a shop armed robbery, resulting in the loss of up to 80 million euros business has become in recent decades, France’s most serious cases of armed robbery.

Chopin and the Stars

Headquartered in Switzerland, Chopin is the world-renowned jewelry business, often lent valuable jewelry decorated Hollywood red carpet. By Oscar, for example, Chopin jewelry consecutive six-year sponsorship to the candidate name stars, this year’s Best Actress Kate Winslet, Best Supporting Actress Penelope Cruz wearing Chopard jewelry are both attending the Academy Awards ceremony .

Out of all the luxury watch brands I know, I feel like Harry Winston comes in first a giving their women’s watches odd names. They certainly aren’t the weirdest names, but they just feel the most awkward. No better example that the “Talk To Me, Harry Winston” line of watches. This version being the Talk To Me, Harry Winston Snowflake. I can’t tell if it is a question, a phrase, a term of endearment, or just someone who doesn’t speak English making up watch names. 

This new Talk To Me, Harry Winston watch takes the same case style and adds a diamonds-as-snowflakes dial. The dial is available in either a black or silver tone with 111 set diamonds in a falling snowflake display. The dial is rotatable, and the entire disc is moved via turning the disc that is accessible on the side of the watch case. A little thing, but something to play with nonetheless. The white gold case is 33mm wide and 40mm tall. The case itself is lovely in shape having strips of polished surface space to serve as the hour indicators, while the rest of the case is covered with 164 more diamonds. Then another 24 diamonds on to rotating ring, and still another 29 diamonds on the white gold buckle attached tot he black satin strap. Total diamond weight for the watch is 4.1 carats. The movement is Swiss quartz. Price is yet unknown, but in the ultra luxury range, of course.

The Pumpkin Design is a design barometer 5.54 carats (1.108 g) rated in blush as Adorned Active Orange by the Gemological Institute of America. While this may assume baby if compared to added acclaimed diamonds, the Pumpkin Design is, in fact, one of the better Adorned Active Oranges the GIA letters accepting rated and is different compared to added orange precious stones because it is light-colored and conspicuously intense. The Pumpkin Design was mined in Central African Republic and again alien into South Africa for sale, it was after cut and able by William Goldberg, and put to bargain at Sotheby’s area it was bought by Ronald Winston of the House of Harry Winston for the amount of $1.3 million. It is currently estimated to be admired at $3 million.

Formerly referred to artlessly as the 5.54 Active Orange, Winston called the design “The Pumpkin Diamond” as he bought it the day afore Halloween. After affairs the Pumpkin, Winston proceeded to accept the design set in a ring amid two abate white diamonds. Halle Berry wore the ring to the 2002 Oscars area she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Monster’s Ball.

While it is difficult to acquaint absolutely what cachet the Pumpkin Design currently enjoys, the official GIA web website letters it as “one of the better Adorned Active orange accustomed blush precious stones in the world.” The Blush Design Encyclopedia, on the added hand, agreement it “the world’s better adorned active orange diamond.” In 1997, if it was purchased by The House of Harry Winston, the Gemstone Forecaster referred to it as “the alone active orange anytime graded by the GIA” (which is incorrect as there are several added active orange stones graded by GIA and offered for bargain on websites, accomplished and present).

The Pumpkin Design was displayed as allotment of the Smithsonian’s “The Splendor of Diamonds” exhibit, alongside The De Beers Millennium Star, the world’s better top colour (D) internally and evidently absolute pear-shaped design at 203.04 carat (40.608 g) and The Heart of Eternity, a 27.64 carat (5.528 g) heart-cut dejected diamond.

Actress Halle Berry at the 2002 Academy Awards. The Pumpkin Diamond ring is on the pinky finger of her left hand.

This new section is bound to 80 pieces, with a minute repeater, and partially apparent movement. Circular Geneva Stripes, and bifold azure crystals. The de-centralized punch and arresting minute captive apparatus is too cool. Encased in solid 18k rose gold or white gold, this alarm screams chic and appearance all at the aforementioned time.