AN ELEGANT RUBY AND DIAMOND NECKLACE, BY WINSTON

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AN ELEGANT RUBY AND DIAMOND NECKLACE, BY WINSTON

The undulating flexible band designed as a double row of circular and cushion-cut rubies, tapering to a single row, bordered by graduated circular-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum--15 ins. long

By Winston

With the introduction of the flexible wire mounting in the 1950s, gemstones became the focal point of a piece of jewelry, dictating the overall design. Perfected by the designers at Harry Winston, this innovation transformed jewelry from rigid, inflexible creations to pliant, supple jewelry that, to the touch, seemed like fabric. Mountings no longer predominated a piece of jewelry. In necklaces, precious gemstones were set into intricate platinum mountings that could be moved or bent in different directions. The illustrated example is set with rubies bordered on either side by diamonds that undulate in supple curves. When worn, the necklace fits snugly but comfortably around the neck. For illustration of a similar necklace with rubies bordered by a row of circular and baguette-cut diamonds, see lot 548 offered in these rooms on April 12, 1994.