October 22, 2026 •Dan Lowney
The Steinway & Sons Crown Jewel Collection is a series of individually distinctive grand and upright pianos finished in exceptionally fine natural wood veneers rather than the familiar ebony finishes traditionally associated with these instruments. Introduced in 2000, the collection celebrates the extraordinary beauty of natural woods, with each piano distinguished by its own unique grain, color, and character. More than a beautiful finish, each Crown Jewel represents the meeting of nature's artistry and Steinway's renowned craftsmanship.
That individuality is precisely what makes the collection so compelling. As M. Steinert & Sons piano consultant Phil Schoonmaker observes in the accompanying video, most pianos today share a familiar appearance: black, in either satin or high-polish ebony.