Graff: The King of Diamonds

For over half a century, Graff has been synonymous with luxury, prestige, and glamor. The British jewelry brand has a rich history and a legacy of exquisite craftsmanship, exceptional diamonds, and stunning designs. From its humble beginnings in London to its global expansion, Graff has always stood for excellence and exclusivity.

Today, the brand is known for its iconic pieces that grace the red carpet, royal palaces, and high-end boutiques. From the legendary Lesotho Promise diamond to the dazzling Hallucination watch, Graff's creations are awe-inspiring and timeless.

 

Laurence Graff via New York Times

 

Founded in 1960 by Laurence Graff, the brand started as a small jewelry shop in London's Hatton Garden district. Graff was passionate about diamonds and had a keen eye for quality and rarity. He soon became known as the "King of Diamonds" and built his reputation on sourcing and enhancing exceptional stones. 

Graff is known for its high-end diamond jewelry, particularly its diamond engagement rings, as well as for its rare and valuable colored gemstones. The company has a reputation for acquiring some of the world's largest and most unique diamonds and is renowned for its expertise in cutting and polishing these stones to maximize their brilliance and beauty. Over the years, Graff has become renowned for its commitment to quality craftsmanship and exquisite design. Its jewelry is crafted from only the finest materials available and designed by some of the world’s top artisans.

Graff's business grew rapidly, and he soon expanded his reach beyond London to international markets, including the US, Japan, and the Middle East. In 2008, the company acquired the Delaire Graff Estate in South Africa, which produces some of the world's finest wines and offers a breathtakingly beautiful setting for diamond sales and VIP events.

Graff has been the recipient of numerous industry awards and accolades, and its jewelry has been worn by many high-profile clients, including royalty, celebrities, and business leaders. The company has also been active in philanthropy, supporting a number of charitable causes related to education, health, and the arts.

Graff and London

Graff has had a longstanding presence in London. Since its founding in 1960, Graff has been a major presence in the city of London, with stores located on Bond Street and Old Bond Street. While London remains an important base for Graff, the company has also expanded into international markets over the past few decades, including Japan, the US and Middle East countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In 2008, they acquired the Delaire Graff Estate in South Africa which produces some of the world’s finest wines as well as offers beautiful settings for diamond sales and VIP events hosted by them throughout their estate grounds. Throughout their 60-year history, they have received numerous industry awards & accolades recognizing their excellence in crafting fine jewelry pieces that are worn by high-profile clients such as royalty.

Iconic Pieces

 

The Pink Diamond via Sotheby's

 

Graff Pink Diamond 

This 24.78-carat pink diamond is one of the most famous and valuable ever discovered. Graff bought it in 2010 for a record-breaking $46 million, and it now sits at the center of a stunning ring. The unique and strikingly beautiful pink diamonds are renowned for their intense color and rarity, making them one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. A number of famous celebrities have been seen wearing this remarkable stone including Beyonce and Victoria Beckham.  Due to its scarcity, the cost of a large Graff Pink can exceed $1 million per carat, making it one of the most expensive types of diamond available on the market today.

 

The Hallucination Watch via The Jewellery Editor

 

Hallucination Watch 

This $55 million watch is one of the most expensive and colorful timepieces ever made. It features a kaleidoscope of rare and vivid diamonds, including yellow, pink, green, orange, and blue, all set in a platinum bracelet. The watch also contains 15 carats of pear-shaped yellow diamonds as well as 11 carats of cushion-shaped white diamonds. It was designed in collaboration with the World Diamond Mark to create a piece that conveys the beauty and brilliance of diamond jewelry while simultaneously pushing boundaries with its colorful design. This exquisite piece retails at $55 million making it one of the most expensive watches ever made.

 

The Lesotho Promise Diamond via The New York Times

 

Lesotho Promise Diamond

The Lesotho Promise Diamond is a rare and iconic piece created by Graff, one of the world’s premier luxury jewelry brands. This 603-carat diamond is one of the largest and the most valuable in history. Graff purchased the rough stone for $12 million in 2006 and spent a year cutting and polishing it into 26 flawless gems, including a 76.4-carat pear-shaped diamond. The center stone measures 37 carats while 53 smaller stones encircle it, totaling 566 carats in total.

 

The Delaire Sunrise Diamond via Lang Antique and Estate Jewelry

 

The Delaire Sunrise

A stunning necklace that features a 118.08-carat oval-shaped tanzanite surrounded by over 400 carats of diamonds. The necklace was inspired by the colors of a South African sunrise and is valued at over $16 million. This rare gemstone is highly sought after due to its deep blue-violet color and scarcity. Surrounding the tanzanite are over 400 carats of diamonds that are meticulously cut and crafted to frame the centerpiece. The necklace is designed to highlight the beauty of the gemstones while also ensuring the comfort and wearability of the piece. The Delaire Sunrise is strung on a platinum chain that is encrusted with diamonds, and it fastens securely with a hidden clasp. This exquisite necklace is valued at over $16 million and has become a symbol of Graff's mastery of jewelry craftsmanship. The Delaire Sunrise is a true work of art, a testament to Graff's dedication to quality and innovation in luxury jewelry design. It is one of the most prized pieces in Graff's collection, and it continues to captivate admirers worldwide.

Graff's history and legacy are as impressive as its jewelry. The brand has built a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ethics, and has become a symbol of luxury and prestige. Its iconic pieces are not only beautiful and valuable, but also tell a story of dedication, skill, and passion. The company is known for its expertise in sourcing and cutting rare and valuable gemstones, and many of its creations are one-of-a-kind masterpieces that are highly coveted by collectors and jewelry lovers around the world. Whether you are a fan of diamonds or just appreciate the art of jewelry-making, Graff is a name that commands attention and admiration.

 

GRAFF DIAMOND ON DIAMOND PENDANT ON A DIAMOND CHAIN NECKLACE

 

GRAFF RUBY AND DIAMOND PENDANT NECKLACE, WHITE GOLD

 

GRAFF GIA CERTIFIED 0.74 CARAT MARQUISE RING WITH ROUND WHITE AND PINK DIAMONDS

 

GRAFF DIAMOND AND YELLOW DIAMOND 'DIAMOND ON DIAMOND' WHITE GOLD RING

 

GRAFF BULLS EYE 1.02 CT. SQUARE-CUT EMERALD AND DIAMOND RING

 

GRAFF WHITE DIAMOND 'DIAMOND ON DIAMOND' WHITE GOLD RING

 

GRAFF 0.84 CT. DIAMOND ETERNITY BAND

 

GRAFF 0.89 CT. DIAMOND SNOWFLAKE 3/4" PENDANT NECKLACE