Graff High Jewelry: From Mine to Masterpiece
Uncover how Graff’s high jewelry collection brings rare diamonds to life, blending heritage, innovation, and exceptional artistry in every masterpiece.
Graff History
Founded in 1960 by Laurence Graff, Graff is one of the most prestigious high jewelry houses in the world. Based in London, Graff quickly earned a reputation for its impeccable craftsmanship, breathtaking designs, and extraordinary diamonds. Laurence Graff, often referred to as the "King of Bling," broke into the competitive world of high jewelry with a vision to create pieces that exuded rarity and exclusivity. Today, Graff remains a family-owned business, operating exclusively through its brick-and-mortar boutiques.
Key Takeaways: Graff High Jewelry
| Defining Element | Notable Features |
| Founding Vision | Founded in 1960 by Laurence Graff; focused on rarity, scale, and exceptional diamonds |
| Vertical Integration | Full control from mine to finished jewel; cutting, polishing, and design handled in-house |
| Diamond Sourcing | Access to some of the world’s largest and rarest stones; majority stake in a rough diamond supplier |
| Design and Craftsmanship | Ultra-precise cutting and platinum settings; emphasis on maximizing brilliance |
| Market Position | Average price exceeds $100,000; caters to an elite, ultra-luxury clientele |
| Auction Performance | Record-setting sales and headline diamonds; strong demand for white and colored diamonds |
| Iconic Stones | Graff Pink and major colored diamonds; museum-quality gemstones refined by the house |
| Ethical Standards | Strict adherence to the Kimberley Process; conflict-free sourcing |
What sets Graff apart from its competitors is its complete control over the jewelry-making process. Unlike other high jewelry houses such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Harry Winston, which primarily focus on designing and selling finished pieces, Graff oversees the entire journey of a diamond—from mining the rough stone to cutting, polishing, and crafting the final masterpiece. This vertically integrated approach allows Graff to maintain an unparalleled level of quality and exclusivity. While this strategy involves greater risk, it ensures that every stage of production meets the house’s exacting standards, further solidifying Graff's reputation as a leader in high jewelry.
Graff High Jewelry Competitors
Within the realm of high jewelry, Graff competes with some of the most renowned names in the industry, including Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Bvlgari. However, what distinguishes Graff from its peers is its access to some of the largest and most exceptional gemstones in the world. Graff's expertise in diamond cutting and its ability to source rare stones set it apart in the ultra-luxury sector — an advantage underscored by recent auction results, including a Graff diamond necklace designed as ribbons of graduated pear-shaped and baguette diamonds, which achieved approximately 4,445,000 HKD in September 2025.
Unlike Tiffany & Co., which primarily caters to a broader audience, Graff focuses on an elite clientele, offering jewelry at significantly higher price points. The brand's average selling price exceeds $100,000, making it one of the most exclusive jewelry houses in the world. Graff’s majority stake in South African Diamond Corp, a leading rough diamond wholesaler and manufacturer, further enhances its ability to source and curate extraordinary gems. This commitment to securing the most breathtaking diamonds has solidified Graff’s position as one of the foremost names in high jewelry.
Graff Diamonds
A Graff diamond ring is one of the most coveted luxury engagement rings in the world. Known for selecting only the most spectacular diamonds, Graff maintains strict quality control by overseeing every step of the process, from mining to final craftsmanship. Like other prestigious jewelry houses, Graff specializes in engagement rings featuring high-quality diamonds of three carats and larger. Celebrities such as Drew Barrymore have been seen wearing Graff engagement rings, with her 4-carat radiant-cut ring estimated to be worth around $80,000.
Graff has also made headlines at prestigious auction houses. Sotheby’s frequently features Graff high jewelry, with notable recent sales including a Graff emerald and diamond pendant necklace, centered on a 3.10-carat brilliant-cut diamond and accented with pear-shaped emeralds and diamonds, which sold for 1,651,000 HKD in September 2025. Such results underscore the brand’s continued strength at auction, where Graff’s meticulous gemstone selection and refined craftsmanship consistently attract discerning collectors.
This Graff Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond and Diamond Necklace sold for 3,810,000 HKD in April 2025. The striking design showcased thirty cut-cornered rectangular Fancy Intense Yellow diamonds totaling 38.45 carats, elegantly accented by pear-shaped diamonds in D to F color and fan-shaped motifs composed of tapered baguette diamonds. Signed and numbered by Graff, the necklace was accompanied by thirty GIA reports confirming the natural color and exceptional clarity of the yellow diamonds. With its bold yet refined aesthetic, the piece exemplified Graff’s unmatched expertise in colored diamonds and its legacy of innovation in high jewelry craftsmanship.
One of the most famous diamonds associated with Graff is the Graff Pink. Originally a 24.76-carat Fancy Intense pink diamond, Laurence Graff purchased it at a Sotheby’s auction in 2010 for $46 million. Following meticulous repolishing, the diamond was refined to 23.88 carats, achieving a Natural Fancy Vivid Pink Internally Flawless Type IIa status. This transformation showcases Graff’s exceptional ability to enhance the natural beauty of gemstones while preserving their historical significance.
This pair of Graff Diamond Pendant-Earrings recently sold for 780,000 USD in February 2025. Featuring pear-shaped diamonds weighing 9.39 and 8.46 carats, suspended from delicate lines of round diamonds, the earrings exemplify Graff’s commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and design. Set in platinum and weighing approximately 11 grams in total, the earrings showcase Graff’s meticulous attention to detail, with each pear-shaped diamond mounted with pendant hooks for versatility. The sale underscores the brand’s enduring appeal in the high jewelry market, reinforcing its reputation for offering some of the world’s most spectacular and rare gemstones.
Graff has also ventured into horology, with its most extravagant creation being the $55 million Graff Hallucination watch. Unveiled at Baselworld 2014, this timepiece is adorned with over 110 carats of rare colored diamonds. A team of 30 Graff specialists dedicated countless hours to crafting this masterpiece, further cementing Graff’s expertise in luxury jewelry and gemstone sourcing. While the watch was never sold, it served as a testament to Graff’s unparalleled artistry and access to the world’s rarest diamonds.
The Allure of Graff Jewelry
Since its inception, Graff has captivated royalty, celebrities, and high-net-worth clients with its dazzling creations. Iconic figures such as Elizabeth Taylor, Oprah Winfrey, Victoria Beckham, and the Sultan of Brunei have all been loyal patrons of the house. Graff is known for fostering long-standing relationships with its clients, offering an unmatched level of exclusivity and personalized service.
Graff jewelry is often featured in the secondary market, with Sotheby’s curating a selection of some of its most exceptional pieces. The house’s commitment to using only the finest diamonds ensures that nearly all Graff creations feature stones with color grades of D-F on the color scale. The design aesthetic is another crucial aspect of Graff’s appeal, with intricate settings and timeless styles that enhance the natural beauty of each gemstone. On Sotheby’s Marketplace, Graff pendant necklaces showcase the brand’s mastery in diamond arrangement and innovative design.
Ethical sourcing is a key consideration for high jewelry collectors, and Graff is deeply committed to the Kimberley Process, ensuring that all its diamonds are conflict-free. This dedication to ethical practices adds another layer of prestige to the brand, assuring clients that their acquisitions are both luxurious and responsibly sourced.
Graff stands as one of the most distinguished names in high jewelry, renowned for its breathtaking diamond creations and commitment to excellence. While the house does offer a limited selection of pieces under $100,000, the majority of its collection caters to the ultra-luxury market, with prices well above this threshold. Although best known for its exquisite diamond jewelry, Graff also creates remarkable pieces featuring rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and an impressive array of colored diamonds, including rare yellow and pink stones—exemplified by a magnificent pair of emerald and diamond pendant-earclips, featuring sugarloaf cabochon emeralds and pear-shaped diamonds, which sold for $901,700 in June 2025.
What truly sets Graff apart is its direct access to the finest rough diamonds, its dedication to impeccable craftsmanship, and its unwavering commitment to creating masterpieces that transcend time. As one of the most revered high jewelry houses, Graff continues to push the boundaries of luxury, offering some of the most extraordinary pieces the world has ever seen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Graff High Jewelry
What makes Graff different from other high jewelry houses?
Graff stands apart through its vertically integrated model, overseeing every stage of a diamond’s journey from rough stone to finished masterpiece. This level of control allows for unmatched quality, precision, and exclusivity.
Why are Graff diamonds so expensive?
Graff diamonds command premium prices due to their exceptional size, color, and clarity, combined with meticulous cutting and craftsmanship. Many pieces feature stones that are rare even by high jewelry standards, driving both retail and auction value.
Buy and Sell Graff Jewelry with Sotheby’s
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to fine jewelry, Sotheby’s offers a trusted, seamless way to buy and sell Graff pieces on the secondary market.
Why Choose Sotheby’s?
- Expertly Vetted Selection
Explore rare and iconic Graff jewelry, from elegant white gold and diamond necklaces starting around $10,000 to extraordinary diamond rings featuring rare, exceptionally large stones exceeding $1,000,000. - Exclusive Global Access
Shop Graff jewelry through Sotheby’s auctions and Buy Now marketplace, backed by a worldwide network of collectors and consignors. - Flexible Ways to Buy
Purchase online or in person at our locations in New York, Paris, and Hong Kong—or work with a dedicated jewelry concierge to view or source specific Graff pieces. - Exceptional Value
Every piece of Graff jewelry is authenticated and priced by Sotheby’s specialists to reflect true market value, ensuring confidence in every acquisition. - Constantly Evolving Inventory
Discover vintage and contemporary Graff designs, with new pieces added regularly to Sotheby’s curated selection of exceptional jewels.
Ready to Get Started?
- Browse Sotheby’s upcoming jewelry auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong
- Shop Sotheby’s Buy Now jewelry for instant access to available Graff pieces
- Speak with a Sotheby’s jewelry specialist to consign or request a valuation for Graff jewelry
Trust our worldwide network of leading jewelry specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
