Graff is a renowned name in the luxury and jewelry industry, famed for its exceptional diamonds, exquisite craftsmanship, and innovative designs. Founded by Laurence Graff in 1960, the brand has become synonymous with the world’s most beautiful and rare gemstones. In this article, we will explore the history of Graff and discuss the reasons behind its enduring success, with a special focus on the brand’s most famous creations.
A Passion for Diamonds: The Graff Story
Laurence Graff’s love affair with diamonds began at a young age when he started working as an apprentice in London’s Hatton Garden, the city’s famed jewelry district. Over the years, Graff’s passion for diamonds and his keen eye for selecting the finest stones led him to establish his own company, Graff Diamonds, in 1960. The brand quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional gemstones, unparalleled craftsmanship, and innovative designs, propelling it to the forefront of the luxury jewelry industry.
Graff’s success can be attributed to its unwavering commitment to sourcing and cutting the world’s finest diamonds, ensuring that each piece of jewelry showcases the beauty and brilliance of these extraordinary gemstones. The brand also prides itself on its in-house team of expert craftsmen, who possess the skill and expertise to transform raw stones into dazzling masterpieces.
Famous Creations and Legendary Stones
Graff is renowned for its spectacular diamond creations, many of which have become iconic in the world of luxury jewelry. Here are some of the brand’s most famous and impressive pieces:
- The Graff Pink: In 2010, Graff acquired a 24.78-carat Fancy Intense Pink diamond, which was subsequently recut and polished to reveal its full potential. The result was a breathtaking 23.88-carat Fancy Vivid Pink diamond, set in a ring and named “The Graff Pink.” This stunning stone sold for a record-breaking $46.2 million at auction, making it one of the most expensive diamonds ever sold.
- The Lesotho Promise: In 2006, Graff unveiled “The Lesotho Promise,” a necklace featuring 26 flawless D-color diamonds cut from a single 603-carat rough diamond discovered in Lesotho. The necklace represents a remarkable feat of craftsmanship, with each diamond cut and polished to perfection, creating a stunning display of brilliance and scintillation.
- The Graff Peacock Brooch: This exquisite brooch showcases a 20.02-carat Fancy Deep Blue pear-shaped diamond, surrounded by an array of white, pink, and yellow diamonds, meticulously set to form the shape of a peacock. The Graff Peacock Brooch is a testament to the brand’s extraordinary creativity and craftsmanship, with every detail carefully considered and executed to perfection.
- The Fascination: This unique piece combines the brilliance of a 38.13-carat pear-shaped diamond with the versatility of a transformable jewel. The Fascination can be worn as a stunning watch, with the pear-shaped diamond acting as a removable centerpiece that can also be worn as a ring. This exceptional creation demonstrates Graff’s ability to push the boundaries of design and create innovative, multifunctional pieces.
Graff’s strong reputation in the luxury jewelry industry is built upon a foundation of excellence, innovation, and a deep passion for the art of fine jewelry. Founded by Laurence Graff in 1960, the brand has grown from a single London boutique to an international powerhouse, synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship, rarity, and unrivaled beauty. Graff’s commitment to excellence has led the brand to create some of the most stunning and iconic jewelry pieces in history, while their expertise in diamond cutting, polishing, and setting has earned them the title of “The King of Diamonds.” In this article, we will explore the Graff legacy and delve into the reasons behind the brand’s enduring success.
Exceptional Craftsmanship and Artistry
At the heart of Graff’s success is their dedication to exceptional craftsmanship and artistry. The brand is known for sourcing the rarest and most beautiful diamonds and gemstones, ensuring that each piece they create is truly one-of-a-kind. Graff’s team of master craftsmen meticulously handcrafts every piece of jewelry, from the initial design to the final polish, ensuring that every detail is perfect.
This commitment to craftsmanship is evident in Graff’s iconic jewelry collections, such as the Butterfly Silhouette, which showcases the brand’s unique ability to combine bold design with intricate detail, and the Graff Spiral, a collection of stunning diamond pieces that seamlessly blend modern elegance with timeless beauty.
Innovative Diamond Cutting and Setting Techniques
Graff’s expertise in diamond cutting and setting is another key factor in their success. The brand is renowned for its innovative techniques, which have resulted in the creation of some of the most extraordinary diamonds in the world. Graff’s master cutters work tirelessly to unlock the full potential of each stone, optimizing its beauty, brilliance, and fire.
One such example of Graff’s innovative diamond cutting techniques is the Graff Vendôme, a 105.07-carat D Flawless round brilliant diamond cut from a 314-carat rough diamond. The process of cutting and polishing this exceptional stone took over 18 months, highlighting the brand’s commitment to perfection and their unparalleled expertise in the field.
