Henry Dunay

Henry Dunay
Industry Jewelers
Predecessor Henry Dunay Designs
Founded 1953
Founder Henry Dunay
Headquarters New York, New York, United States of America
Products Jewelry, Objet d'art
Website www.hddinc.net

Henry Dunay is an American goldsmith and jewelry designer, best known for his fine scratched surface technique known as Sabi.

Biography

Born Henry Loniewski in Jersey City, New Jersey on May 1, 1935,[1] he was the second of three sons of Polish Americans Henry and Helen Loniewski. At the age of 18, feeling that the name Loniewski would be an impediment, he changed it to Dunay, his mother’s short and memorable maiden name.[1][2][3][4][5]

History

Having apprenticed in the workshop of New York City jeweler Rudolph Cacioli at the age of 14,[1][6] Dunay learned the fine art of creating jewelry. Though starting as an errand boy, he quickly worked his way up to becoming a master model maker and setter at a remarkably young age, impressing Cacioli with the fineness of his work and the refinement of his proportions and curves. Observing that most jewelry in shop windows he peered into followed the same styles and dimensions, he started his own firm in 1956.[1][6] Taking on work from other manufacturers (including Harry Winston)[1] to support himself initially, Dunay quickly found success and fame after winning the De Beers Diamond International Award,[1] which showered images of his designs around the world.

Soon, Henry Dunay jewelry could be found in some of the most important jewelry stores where shoppers were drawn to the unique style, sensuous curves, and exceptional craftsmanship of the jewelry designed and created by Henry Dunay. A key supporter was Stanley Marcus, whose Neiman Marcus department stores first sold branded designer jewelry when they began selling Henry Dunay.[1] Jewelry was soon followed by timepieces, fragrances, and objet d'art.

Henry Dunay achieved notable success after the introduction of the Sabi finish. Inspired by the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic, which embraces asymmetry, simplicity, and the integrity of natural processes and objects. Described initially as "simple elegance,"[7] Sabi consisted of finely hand-etched lines that require remarkable precision and skill by Henry Dunay to create the sophisticated look. Coinciding with the brand's rising popularity in Japan and the growing influence of Far Eastern cultures on its designs, Sabi solidified once again Henry Dunay's position as a leading jewelry designer, artist and trendsetter in the world of fine jewelry.

Affected by the late-2000s financial crisis, Henry Dunay Designs and its inventory valued at $50 million was sold at auction in December 2009.[8] He later formed a new company, H.D.D. Inc., focusing on custom pieces.[5][6][9]

Today he continues to design and hand fabricate jewelry in New York City's Diamond District.

Awards

Henry Dunay has been awarded over 50 National and International Awards over fifty years.[1][4][6] Dunay is the four time winner of the Diamond International award.[1][2][6]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Penny Proddow, Marion Fasel. Henry Dunay, A Precious Life. New York: Abrams, 2007.
  2. 1 2 Modern Jeweler December 1993.
  3. ↑ Robb Report April 1999.
  4. 1 2 Robb Report June 1999.
  5. 1 2 Boston Common 2008 Holiday issue.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 In Focus Summer 1992.
  7. ↑ Women's Wear Daily May 29, 1998 Vol. 175, No. 102.
  8. ↑ National Jeweler September 2010.
  9. ↑ Robb Report Holiday issue March 1999.
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