THE SHINING HOUR

Ultra-premium British jeweller Graff recently opened its second boutique in Singapore. ARNAUD BASTIEN, president and CEO of Graff Asia, tells us why the time was right.

- LYNΝΕΤΤΕ ΚΟΗ

At the recent opening party of the second Graff salon at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, there were plenty of entertainments, including a DJ and even a claw machine. But most attendees were drawn to the three vitrines at the centre of the store, showcasing a ring, a necklace and a pair of earrings generously adorned with Gobstopper-sized yellow diamonds. Drawn from Graff's Tribal collection, the necklace itself featured more than a hundred carats of yellow and white diamonds.

Since its founding by Laurence Graff in 1960, Graff has firmly established itself as one of the handful of names at the apex of the high-jewellery pyramid, and as being synonymous with yellow diamonds, some of the world's most precious stones. The British house's prized gemstones include The Star of Bombay, a 47.39-carat yellow diamond acquired, cut and polished by its founder in 1974. However, over time, Graff has steadily widened its collections to include more accessibly priced offerings, and consequently, its client base.