Feature
Hayley Leaver talks celebrations with Laurence Graff OBE, Chairman at Graff Diamonds, as he marks 60 years at the pinnacle of the luxury jewellery industry
I
t is said that throughout its history Graff Diamonds have handled more diamonds of notable rarity and beauty than any other jeweller in the world. It is perhaps
not surprising therefore that Chairman Laurence Graff celebrates 60 years in the jewellery industry this year. In recognition of this impressive milestone and the opening of the brand’s 40th store globally, Graff is recreating its famous 1970s Hair & Jewel coiffure, an ornate design of diamonds and gems inspired by the royal fashions of 18th-century Versailles. Featuring 22 extremely rare and unique jewels with a value of half a billion dollars, this is certainly no ordinary celebration. Laurence Graff said: “Hair & Jewel is a celebration of our expertise and success, as we continue to operate at the very pinnacle of the industry. “Tis was a highly original concept which
captured the attention of the world’s media and was seen in newspapers and magazines around the globe.” Incorporated into the recreation will be a number of record-breaking diamonds, namely the Graff Sweethearts, a pair of earrings featuring 51.53ct and 50.76ct D colour Flawless type IIA heart shape diamonds, and a selection of jewellery crafted from the 550ct Letšeng Star, the 14th largest white rough diamond ever discovered. “Right from the very beginning it has always been about the stones for me,” said Mr Graff. “I truly believe that when you have the very best stones you can really work to produce a marvellous piece of jewellery. Trough this understanding we have acquired, cut and polished four of the five largest white diamonds to be uncovered this century, which is a considerable feat.”
He added: “I have always been fascinated
by diamonds. When I first started working in the industry I remember looking at them, studying them closely to understand their purity and the way they had been cut and crafted. Without realising it, I was becoming a self-taught gemmologist and I truly believe that this is what I have been born to do. It was an inherent feeling which has turned into a lifelong passion.” Graff’s journey to world renowned diamantaire started as an apprentice at Schindler’s workshop in Hatton Gardens, learning his craft on day release classes at the
the very best, a precious jewel that will hold its value and beauty, and truly impress.” He added: “Te industry has undergone many
changes, but now more than ever we continue to see an extremely strong demand for large, high quality and rare coloured diamonds. Tis is coupled with a scarcity of exceptional examples coming onto the market. “Graff is extremely well placed to acquire the
largest diamonds in the rough. We use our expertise and skills, honed over many years, to carry out the demanding and risky process of transforming a rare diamond from its rough state into a polished masterpiece.” Shunning international trends, Graff draws inspiration from a range of other sources, including nature, noble European gems, Mughal Indian masterpieces, African tribal pieces and Asian motifs, as well as the brand’s own archives. “Tere has to be mystique in a jewel.
Central School of Arts and Crafts. “After three months I was told by my employer that I would never make the grade, that I had no future in the jewellery industry,” said Mr Graff. “I didn’t give up, but moved on with more determination to succeed. At this early stage in my career I learnt the importance of self-belief and of trusting one’s instincts.” Since founding Graff Diamonds in 1960,
Laurence Graff’s legacy has spanned more than five decades at the pinnacle of the luxury jewellery industry. His passion and distinctive style has also been passed down to a new generation of designers and craftsman, who continue to push the boundaries of ever-greater innovation and excellence. “Our clients know that when they come to Graff they are getting the best in the world, in terms of quality of diamonds, craftsmanship and client care,” said Mr Graff. “Graff is known for the most fabulous jewels in the world, incredible one-of- a-kind treasures that no one else will have. Our clients come to us when they want
Something enthralling and beautiful about it to capture the imagination,” said Mr Graff. “At Graff we don’t follow trends, we do what we do and that’s what makes a Graff piece so very special and sets us apart from our competition. “Graff is also highly unique in its use of minimal platinum settings, which allow the beauty and brilliance of each diamond to shine through. Our Master Craftsmen spend many years at the bench, working to hone the ability to enhance and complement a stone the Graff way.” Taking the “Graff way” to an international audience, the brand has opened stores in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, with more set to follow in the coming months and into 2014. “We have been a family business for
many years now and that is set to continue,” concluded Mr Graff. “We will continue to do what we have always
done, finding unique gems and dreaming up new and interesting ways of using them to create the most fabulous jewels in the world.”
For further information, please visit
www.graffdiamonds.com
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