Harry Winston’s Candy Creates a Whole Different Type of Wonderland

Willie Wonka land has nothing on the vaunted house of Harry Winston. Just consider the Winston Candy collection (fabulous cocktail rings anchored with the most colorful gemstones) and then reflect on the Chocolate Factory.

Calories or carats? A momentary pleasure or lasting bliss?

Chocoholics might disagree. But any lady worth her inheritance would surely go for Mr. Winston’s candy over Mr. Wonka’s.

The jewelry concern is gently segueing from its diamond-centric domain to a cosmos laced with colored gemstones, the results of which could not be more inviting than the collection of one-of-a-kind rings, inspired by Harry Winston’s infatuation with stones that resembled brilliantly-hued candies.

Transforming Winston’s archival sketches from the 1950s and ’70s to reality was a three-year process that included not only creating a 21st century interpretation but also the search for the perfect stones. Paraiba tourmalines from Brazil, mandarin garnets, rare spinels and pink sapphires were gathered from around the globe to create a selection of 26 dazzling rings.

By the time the collection reached Houston, where Harry Winston partnered with PaperCity to introduce the ultimate wearable eye candy, all but a dozen of the mesmerizing pieces had been sold. Nevertheless, the intimate clutch of clients and friends merrily perused the center vitrine where the delicious rings were spotlighted on beds of velvet.

In each, a fancy colored center stone was ensconced atop beds of diamonds and vibrant gems (rubellites, tsavorites, aquamarines and even turquoise, among others). Insuring that the candy-theme was omnipresent, jars of sugar covered almonds in pastel hues were positioned throughout the River Oaks District emporium.

In the spirit of this bonbon moment, candy-inspired pop art figured on salon walls while staff from A Fare Extraordinaire donned candy-colored bow ties as they passed trays of  pink champagne, wine and hors d’oeuvres.

PC Seen: Diane Lokey Farb, Susanne Byram, Shafik Rifaat, DeeAnn and Marcus Thigpen, Ceron, Monica Bickers, Meredith Chastang, Alana Smith, Neekie Kashani, Gigi Huang, Tarek El Bjeirmi, Kara Smith, Dr. Jennie Segal, Maya Pomroy, Rachel Boyd, Allison Smith, and John Seip.