Posted 2 months ago
whlong
(39 items)
This 6.18 ct., emerald cut, natural diamond and platinum ring was one of the items left behind by Lucille M. Bell, who was the wife of Lawrence Dale "Larry" Bell, Founder of The Bell Aircraft Company. Today, this company is known as "Bell Helicopter" or "Bellflight". ----- The Serial Number "1258" -- double wall engraved numbers -- and -- "10% Irid Plat", stamped on the inside of the platinum ring. ----- Historically invaluable and the only one known to exist. --------------- According to a Sales Executive at Harry Winston, Inc., New York office, October 21, 2024, the Serial Number "1258", "Predates" the Digital Serial Number Data Base that is currently maintained and used by the current Harry Winston, Inc. locations, -- now owned by "Swiss Swatch". ---------------------- On May 23, 2024, a very informative and very well conducted, interview with Carol Woolton, of "IF JEWELS COULD TALK" and Ronald Winston, son of Harry Winston, born 1941 in New York, and Author of the book, "KING OF DIAMONDS", revealed, that in the early years, Harry Winston Inc. was actually composed of 3 areas of the diamond business -- 1) During World War II, Harry Winston provided industrial grade diamonds to military aircraft manufacturing companies for use in machining and manufacturing aircraft parts and components, used as critical parts in specialized milling machines, lathes, drilling machines, etc., and aircraft instrumentation. ---- 2) Distributed jewelry quality diamonds to smaller jewelers and jewelry stores across America. -- and ---- 3) The development of Harry Winston, Inc. as "The" High End, Large Diamond and Diamond Jewelry supplier to ultra rich customers in the United States of America, Asia, Europe, and World Wide. ----------- Items 1 and 2 were a closely held secret of Harry Winston, and was, for the most part, personally handled by, and the transactions were conducted by Harry Winston himself. -------- During World War II, The Bell Aircraft Company, founded by Lawrence Dale "Larry" Bell, was one of the largest manufactureres of military aircraft for The United States of America as well as Great Britain and the Allied Forces all over the world. ----- It is possible that The Bell Aircraft Company, and it's many afiliated suppliers, during World War II, was one of Harry Winston's largest customers for industrial grade diamonds. ----------- The above photographs from left to right --- Photograph #1, is a top view, showing the 6.18 ct. emerald cut, natural diamond with "double prong" setting. ---- Photographs # 2 and # 3, are side photographs of the diamond and platinum ring, showing the overlaid / combined, - "H" "W" - present on both of the non-ring sides of the ring. ---- As of this posting, this is the only ring, with this design, that is known to exist. ---- Photograph # 4, shows the serial number - "1258", double wall engraved, ---- and the "10% Irid Plat" stamped, on the inside of the ring. ---- Note, the Diamond and Platinum bracelet, not pictured on this posting, also has a double wall engraved serial number and a "10 % Irid Plat, stamped on the inside of the bracelet clasp. ( the "size" of the engraving and stamping is different due to the usable and available area on each jewelry item. ) ----- There is a rectangular, tapered bagette diamond on each side, ( 2 total ), mounted on the setting / shank of the ring. ---- Tap of each of the above Photographs and magnify for better viewing. ----- G.I.A. report number is 1132617303 -- color grade 1 and clarity grade VS1. ---- The G.I.A Report can be viewed, per the stated number, on the G.I.A. website. --- ( Gemological Institute of America ) -------- On one side of the setting, the "H" and "W" are composed of 5 pieces of platinum, held together by 8 solder joints. -- Normaly this setting reinforcement would be 1 piece of platinum requireing 2 solder joints. ---- The "H" and "W" on "both sides" of the platinum setting, in total, is constructed of 10 pieces of platinum with 16 solder joints forming the combined "H" and "W". -- This required much work and expense on the part of the jeweler, and is an indication of an "intentionally" formatted design. ( Not a typical or normal construction design. ) -- The manufacturing dating must also must be considered, around 1940 to 1948. ( Modern jewelry making equipment was not in existance during this time frame. ) ----------------- The intent of this posting is to generate questions, collect information, and/or comments of a factual and verifiable nature as well as a historical and/or educational nature. ----- Also, Google, The Secret P-39 Airacobra Brooches presented to Lawrence Dale "Larry" Bell, Founder of The Bell Aircraft Company, by King George VI of Great Britain and The United Kingdom. ------ Also Google -- The Diamond and Platinum Bracelet of Lucille M. Bell and Lawrence Dale "Larry" Bell, Founder of The Bell Aircraft Company. ------ more information to follow and research is on-going. ---- send all inquiries to Wayne Hugh Long, -- email - whlong2715@gmail.com.. ----- This posting was last updated -- 12/19/2024.