Diamantaire-billionaire Laurence Graff OBE's incredible success story could be likened to that of finding a rough diamond and polishing it into an exquisite stone. He founded his first company at 18 and, at age 20, established Graff Diamonds in 1960. Two years later, the 24-year-old entrepreneur opened two small retail stores.
In 2013, Graff was appointed the highest honour by the British monarchy - the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his lifelong services to the jewellery industry. Awarded by the late Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his distinguished work and dedication to his craft, the title further cemented his moniker of The King of Diamonds.
Today, Graff remains one of the few high jewellery houses to be owned and run by its founding family. While his son François is CEO, Laurence Graff is chairman of the vertically integrated company. Playing an integral role in strategic decision-making from mine to store, the diamond magnate is known to be involved in every step of the process.
Graff not only owns over 60 boutiques around the world, he is also one of the key leaders of Gem Diamonds, which has mines in Lesotho and Botswana, and South African Diamond Corporation (SAFDICO), a leading diamond producer that serves as Graff's polishing and procurement division.
Only the best polishers and cutters work in Graff workshops in Antwerp, Botswana and New York City, while the magic of assembling spectacular jewels happens at the Graff jewellery workshop in Mayfair, London, where its headquarters is based. Directing production in this workshop is the founder's brother and master craftsman Raymond Graff. The latter's son Elliott Graff, who is also Laurence's mentee, handles operational logistics, merchandising, design and the purchasing of the house's major diamonds.
UNRIVALLED CRAFTSMANSHIP
Bu hikaye Prestige Singapore dergisinin April 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Prestige Singapore dergisinin April 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
TRIUMPH OF IMAGINATION
Cartier’s latest limited-edition Tutti Tutti jewellery collection is a joyful expression of the house’s boundless creativity and commitment to pushing design boundaries.
Dancing on a Palate
Singapore is a haven for gourmets seeking the next must-visit food spots. Here are four that offer flavours from the region and beyond.
THE X FACTOR
Geely’s Zeekr X is an all-electric poweiimes of a compact SUV that packs plenty of Scandinavian charm into a sumptuous cabin.
MISSION TO ENGAGE
Filmmaker HE SHUMING crafts his stories of human connection with the aim of sparking the magic of cinema.
PORT OF DELIGHT
The Douro Valley, the home of port wine, offers more than just exceptional vintages. Here, visitors are immersed in centuries-old winemaking traditions, luxurious retreats and awe-inspiring landscapes.
ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA
The Paraiba tourmaline has become the gemstone du jour, a stunning showcase of electric blue and green capturing the hearts of their wearers. But what exactly is it about these vibrant gems that has caught the world's attention?
A House of Enchantment
Van Cleef & Arpels' Asia Pacific president JULIE CLODY MEDINA sheds light on the enduring popularity of the classic Alhambra, and why the jewellery maison is on a mission to share its savoir-faire with the widest possible audience.
Wonder in Every Moment
From a Santos-Dumont that tells the time backwards to the Reflections bracelet watch that mirrors a dial using a polished surface, Cartier's latest timepieces revolve around the theme of magic. Cartier image, style and heritage director PIERRE RAINERO shares more.
IN PERFECT HARMONY
breathes fresh life into one of its oldest watch families inspired by a classical design principle.
HEAVENLY HOST
Capella Hotel group president CRISTIANO RINALDI reveals what the World's Best Hotel Brand has in store.
