“There is no such thing as an ethically sourced Burmese ruby. The Global Witness report alleges that Myanmar’s current military leaders are taking advantage and control of what the organisation called “conflict rubies” to “tighten its grip on power and bankroll atrocities.” “We perform our due diligence prior to purchasing to ensure the gemstones used in the manufacturing of our jewellery collections are obtained responsibly, ethically, and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations,” the statement also pointed out.Ī military coup in February seized control of Myanmar that triggered an embargo on key gemstone companies by the US. The company also noted it takes “very seriously” how it sources its diamonds and gemstones. “In its ongoing commitment to responsible and ethical sourcing, the House of Harry Winston will no longer source gemstones from its suppliers that have Burmese origins, regardless of the importation dates,” the company posted on Twitter. The jeweller made the announcement days before international non-profit watchdog Global Witness published a report regarding political and human rights abuses in the Southeast Asian nation known as a leading supplier for premium-quality gemstones.Īccording to the report, of the 30 international brands contacted by Global Witness only Tiffany & Co, Boodles, and Signet Jewellers aside from Harry Winston, have also declared to stop sourcing gemstones from Myanmar. This necklace composed of magnificent circular, pear and marquise-cut diamond clusters, in its design and construction, is truly a treasure.Swatch Group’s Harry Winston has announced it will cease sourcing gemstones from Myanmar - also known as Burma - for ethical reasons amid reports of widespread conflict and human rights abuses in the country. Seemingly simple, it revolutionized design, in that the metal merely acted as a framework for the gemstones and never overshadowed their role as the primary focus of the jewel. The founder was a very smart business man, a really dedicated and brilliant gemologist, and a man who set the standard for the ultimate in fine jewelry and high-end watchmaking. He was drawn to the way the leaves shaped the wreath and thought that he could adapt this to jewelry design, whereby the wearer only saw the gemstones and not the supporting metal beneath. Since 1932, over 80 years Harry Winston has been creating an illustrious history and incredible future of find diamond designs. This concept was envisioned by Harry Winston while looking at a holly wreath hanging from his front door at Christmas in 1944. In 1944, he became the first jeweler to dress an Oscar. in 1932 and acquired the 726-carat uncut Jonker diamond in 1935. Perhaps the most important design has been the much admired and greatly imitated 'Winston' look. Harry Winston had already garnered acclaim for his talents by the time the diamond engagement ring had taken center stage thanks to De Beers’s changing social attitudes about the precious stone. With the finest rough diamonds available, as well as numerous historical gems, he imbued his pieces with exceptional style. He is acknowledged as a visionary in the field for his pursuit of excellence combined with his passion, discretion, intuition and knowledge. Aptly regarded as the 'King of Diamonds,' Harry Winston has been known for handling a majority of the world's superlative diamonds, colored gemstones and jewelry in the 20th century.

Harry winston