Harry Winston’s Marvellous Creations takes flight with a series of one-of-a-kind bejewelled bird brooches
Fabulous feathered creatures that roam the skies are immortalised in a series of eight unique brooches by the House of Harry Winston. Each brooch in “The Skies Above” series is a three-dimensional replica of its namesake, masterfully crafted with magnificent precious stones to capture the allure of the bird it is named after.
The harmonious pairing of the stones itself is a work of art that speaks to the immense skill and creativity of the House. The Kingfisher Brooch, for example, replicates in its construction, the brilliant plumage and aerodynamic characteristics of the bird that gives it speed and agility, with the use of sapphires, emeralds, spessartites, diamonds, indicolites, tsavorites, tourmalines, and aquamarines. Each stone is hand selected by Harry Winston’s team of experts over months, to ensure a beautiful gradation of colour can be presented, to show the kingfisher’s natural form.
In a bedazzling interplay of yellow sapphires and light orange cabochon topaz, the Golden Cockatoo in yellow gold stands out, its distinctive crest and lively demeanour depicted faithfully. Shown perched within a lozenge-shaped diamond frame, this playful bird’s eye – depicted by an emerald cabochon – twinkles. in the eye depicted in, is perched within a lozenge-shaped diamond frame. Round brilliant diamonds, and gemstones with warm peachy undertones add to its charm.
Also seen perching within a ring of diamonds is an Exotic Bird in a flamboyant display of its bejewelled stature crafted from rubellite and amethyst cabochons, paired with aquamarine cabochons and diamonds on its underbelly. Its crowning glory, its moveable crest is depicted by dazzling diamonds, emeralds and black onyx. Baguette-cut diamonds and pear-shaped yellow sapphires form its long tail feathers.
The sweet hummingbird is captured gracefully poised to sip nectar in a remarkably realistic rendition featuring sapphires, tsavorites, aquamarines, and diamonds. The majestic shades of greens and blues used in Harry Winston’s Hummingbird Brooch is complemented by the brilliance of diamonds. This vivid picture comes alive with a a pear-shaped south sea pearl dangling from the bejewelled hummingbird’s beak.
Love birds mate for life, a romantic notion that carries through in Harry Winston’s Love Birds. The pair of complementary brooches each in a different colourway, manifest an endearing scene that speaks of romance: the two birds were designed to gaze at each other when worn together.
One is slightly larger in scale, featuring white and yellow diamonds paired with vibrant gemstones in shades of red, green and yellow, including tourmalines, sapphires, tsavorites, rubies, and spessartites, in a variety of gem settings to bring to life its natural form.
The other bird, slightly smaller in size, is rendered in hues of blue and purple. In a masterful setting, the sapphires, turquoise, tanzanite, Paraiba, pink sapphires, amethyst and diamonds culminate in a mesmerising and seamless ombre effect.
Meticulously set gemstones in warm undertones capture the natural colour and elegance of the cockatiel perched on a gold branch. The Cockatiel Brooch is crafted with diamonds, spessartites, yellow diamonds and an onyx eye, entirely mounted in both yellow and rose golds. Harry Winston’s expertise in gemstone selection and setting techniques is flawlessly executed here.
Rounding out the collection is the diamond-encrusted Snowy Owl Brooch with a blue sapphire cabochon eyes. The use of diamonds in various cuts to capture the lifelike form of an owl is yet another display of the House’s expertise in stone-setting. Resting on a half-moon of round brilliant diamonds, the owl’s furrowing brow is presented with baguette-cut diamonds. The body and wings of the owl are interpreted with a combination of round, marquise and pear-shaped diamonds.
The life and luminosity of the wonders of nature are magnified in “The Skies Above” series. A magical addition to Harry Winston’s fascinating Marvellous Creations collection, each creation is an enchanting treasure to behold.
Images courtesy of Harry Winston, artwork by Curatedition. All rights reserved.
Related links:
Harry Winston: Apple of Our Eye
Harry Winston Emerald Collection: Exceptional Exuberance
