Henry Paul Dunay

In 2015, I had the rare, be it short-lived, experience of working with Henry Dunay. He was my client under Luxe Licensing as we promoted a soft launch of "Studio by Henry Dunay," a fine jewelry luxury spin-off of his legendary designer past. I recall meeting with Henry and his wife/then business partner, Frinette. Awe-struck best defines the take-away from conversing with Henry. His mind stayed sharp. He was witty and fast, surprising in his latter years. I also recall how much Henry deeply loved Frinette. He only took one business call solo, which (he insisted) had to close with patching in Frinette (who was traveling at that time). I viewed Henry's passion for Frinette to his passion for crafting one of a kind, bespoke art of many forms. I treasure a coffee table book of his art which he gifted me, complete with a heart-felt, hand written sentiment. It was an honor to have those experiences and own such a memorable keepsake. You will most certainly be missed, Henry Dunay. We're reminded of your enterprising spirt, decades of creativity and design execution every time we see one of your designs.

We met when I worked at Neiman Marcus precious jewelry and became friends immediately. He took the time to educate me not only his jewelry but how to present it. He was one of my mentors that I can look back and say thank you.

Dearest Henry:
You were an inspiration to thousands, a mentor to hundreds and a friend to untold numbers of us in the jewelry business and beyond. Your creativity, enthusiasm, wit and warmth will always be remembered. I mourn your loss, my friend, and will always remember our formal interviews, private conversations, dinners and laughs during the many years we shared. Rest in peace, my treasured friend,
Nancy Pier Sindt

Those we love don't go away. They are beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near. So loved, so missed, so very dear.

It is impossible to think of our lives as a family without Mr. Dunay being such an important part of it. From the very beginning in 1968, my father, Osvaldo has been working along side with Mr. Dunay.
Ever since then, our lives have been intertwined all these years. Asides being present through most of Mr. Dunay's magnificent career, my father and Henry shared more than work together, but a true sincere friendship that endured through time and distance.
It is so difficult to say goodbye to such an amazing person. There are no sufficient or proper words to truly express what's in the heart.
It is so heartbreaking to accept that our dear friend has parted.
May you rest forever in peace now Mr. Dunay, and as my Dad always tenderly called you, until we meet again dear "Ol' Lion"...

I loved Henry, such a true gentleman, nobody could compare to his talent. I treasure the pieces that I have of his. He also had a great sense of humor and we traded many stories. His legacy will live on.
I will always think of him fondly. Pamela
Ruland

Our first trip to show his jewelry to a few of my top customers in Mexico City.
We set up in a fancy hotel suite and first customers arrived and he couldn´t understand Spanish but saw one pile on one side and another on other side. He asked me which one they were taken and I replied Both !
He was happily surprised and said Muchas Gracias to both ladies.

I remember when I first met Henry in the early 90´s, it was as if I was meeting royalty- Rock Hudson or Cary Grant! He was the Fabergé of the 20th century! His work was incredible, with designs and stones I had never seen before! Oh Henry, thank you for your talents and your kindness. The world has lost a treasure. RIP

Henry taught me to see with my heart and dream with my hands. Rest in peace friend

I met Mr. Dunay around 1982 at Neiman Marcus in Dallas. I was a young precious stone dealer in awe of this man winning every design award in our trade. I knew he would appreciate the beauty of a Gem quality briolet yellow sapphire in my pocket that I had just purchased from Reginald C. Miller, and was not planning on selling but rather keeping this rare-cut stone for myself. I told him it was NOT for sale and showed it to him because I knew he would appreciate the beauty. He took the stone from me and would not hand it back to me, telling me to come see him in his office in New York when we returned. I respected both his name and his stature and agreed, telling him the one condition is that he could not sell it and would return it to me in New York, to which he agreed. I went to his office to retrieve my stone, and with his checkbook open, told me to just tell him the amount to write the check for. I realized that he loved the beauty of the stone as much as I did, and knew that he would do something really beautiful with it. I sold him the stone, and since then I have always wondered what he did with it. Even today, I have no idea.
When I look back, it was really my pleasure and my honor to sell that stone to Mr. Dunay. Since that day, through the years, we would always say hello and shake my hand. I always wondered if he remembered how we met. He was a gentleman. My condolences to the family of this wonderful man.

Sending my deepest condolences. I will always treasure the 15 years that we worked together. Mr. Dunay taught me so much but one philosophy that I have lived by and always will is Sabi, the Japanese word for simple elegance. The world will never know a talent such as yours again. Timeless pieces of precious treasures. Rest in Peace Mr. Dunay, until we meet again.

Henry will live on forever in our memories as a kind, loving, charismatic and elegant stepdad and grandpa. There is no one else like him, he is one of a kind just like his creations. We will always love you Henry!

I have many memories of this handsome, warm, charming man. I will think of him each time I put on a piece of his beautiful jewelry. I am so lucky to have known the man . He was very special and extremely talented!

We will forever have you in our hearts. You were an amazing second father and beloved grandpa, loved by everyone. Until we meet again, love you Henry