T he House of Graff takes us through a storied journey told through some of the most precious and well-known diamonds in the world. Ever since Laurence Graff, OBE, founded the maison in 1960, his insatiable passion for gems earned him the sobriquet “King of Diamonds.” Illustrious stones such as the Wittelsbach-Graff, the Graff Pink, the Graff Ruby, and the Lesedi La Rona are all a testament to his magnificent collection.
Graff’s expertise in cutting and polishing diamonds, combined with a distinctive contemporary design aesthetic is expressed in many ways: from classic rings, bracelets and necklaces to elegant accessories such as cufflinks, brooches and a hairslide, and even intricate timepieces. The family-owned house sees to their creations from beginning to end, and the quality shines through their works in all their expressions. With the Moment & Motif sale, we are proud to offer exquisite timepieces to celebrate life's moments and jewellery that bear motifs shared between cultures.
‘I look at historic European jewellery but I also look at costume jewellery past and present. I am inspired by Moghul jewels from India, African tribal jewellery, the exquisite craft of traditional Asian jewellery and by shapes, forms, patterns and prints, flowers and animals. So many different things I see around me inspire me.’
Family-owned and run, this new-generation heritage house was founded in 1960 by Laurence Graff, OBE, and built on his unrivalled talents, unerring instincts, and indefatigable pursuit of perfection. Mr Graff is renowned for his singular gift: an innate ability to see into the heart and soul of a gemstone, to understand its potential, its individual character, the subtlest nuances of fire, life and brilliance, colour and light. He combines this sixth sense with expertise in cutting and polishing diamonds. Many of the world’s famous, historic and magnificent diamonds have passed through Graff’s hands, and over the years, Graff has brought glamour and dynamism to the highest of High Jewellery.
Graff is a name synonymous with the finest diamonds and gems, redefined as timeless classic jewels. As Laurence Graff once said, “Whatever nature gives us, we explore, and we build on.” That is the philosophy behind their highly sought after jewellery. Graff: Moment & Motif spotlights Graff's signature motifs, appearing subtly in elaborate earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings. The dazzling array is indicative of every jewel enthusiast, made for every occasion with a focus on delicacy.
Elegant accessories can be the best personal statements to elevate one's style. Graff’s cufflinks, hairpins and brooches accentuate the unique and individual character of any connoisseur. Whereas gentlemen’s accessories adorned with gems and diamonds convey a bold and confident spirit, splendid and versatile hairpins and brooches express a sense of adventure and intrigue. The brilliant sparkle of these pieces spark the imagination, compelling us to wear them in unconventional ways and have our creativity shine through.
Graff: Moment & Motif honours time through the exquisite horological creations of Graff. When Graff’s focus turned to watchmaking starting in 2008, their timepieces would bear the same inventive designs, uncompromising precision, and superior craftsmanship we all associate with the maison. Staying true to their philosophy, Graff watches seek to create not devices but masterpieces – works of beauty that not only serve the function of time, but also realise Graff’s singular expertise in their field of diamonds and gems.
Transforming unique timepieces into elaborate jewels in equal parts, many of their pieces, from concept to final polishing, will not leave the workshop until more than 100 hours of creative devotion have been met. The ultimate contiguity of using time to gift the technology of time. Beyond the horological expertise, the time-honoured process of stone setting follows in a meticulous and precise manner to elevate each watch. An effortless fluidity in the construction of gemstone mastery and technical ingenuity. The result, is the height of horological sophistication, marrying the craft of high jewellery with the finesse of horology.
‘I have always been fascinated by such antique jewels. I find them genuinely inspiring and have brought these looks forward and modernized them. You might say that I am influenced by every piece of jewellery that was ever created. But in spite of all these influences, I still produce jewels that are simple yet have that subtle mystique that I think all great jewels should have.’
