The British jeweler Sir Laurence Graff (b. 1938) became utterly mesmerized by diamonds when he undertook his first apprenticeship at age 15 in London’s Hatton Garden jewelry district. It wasn't long before he established his now-celebrated eponymous brand, which produces engagement rings, necklaces, rings, earrings, stand-alone jewels, watches and more — all entirely in-house.
Graff had enrolled in classes at Central School of Arts and Crafts, and while he initially showed promise and was highly regarded, the shop owner, Mr. Schindler — who had his apprentice scrubbing floors and toilets — soon changed his tune, deeming him subpar. Undeterred, Graff learned to repair rings and designed small jewels at a humble workbench in his bedroom. He opened a 24-hour ring-repair service with a business partner and, in 1960, founded his luxury house. Two retail locations followed in London in 1962. Graff would go on to become one of the finest diamantaires in the world and was appointed an OBE in 2013 by Queen Elizabeth for his services to the jewelry industry.
Graff is known for handling some of the most famous diamonds in the world, including the Windsor Yellows, the Paragon, the Lesotho Promise and the Wittelsbach-Graff. He also purchased the 302.37-carat Graff Lesedi La Rona, which, at the time, was the largest diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America. The GIA certified the diamond — then the second-largest gem-quality rough diamond on record — as being of highest color and highest clarity. Lucara Diamond Corporation workers discovered the 1,109-carat rough diamond in 2015 at the Karowe mine in Botswana, and after Graff purchased the diamond in 2017, his gemologists and craftsmen spent more than 18 months polishing its final facets.
While many jewels, such as the Graff Lesedi La Rona, remain in Graff’s collection, he does sell extremely high-quality stand-alone jewels. Gems in his showrooms can reportedly fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars on average. Although these stones are perhaps slightly out of the budget of a typical Graff jewelry client, the house does work with more reasonably priced, but no less exceptional gems for its collections.
Naturally, diamonds feature prominently in Graff jewelry, which is known for being more avant-garde than traditional, although Graff does create classic engagement rings, too. The jeweler’s ready-to-wear collections integrate naturalistic motifs like butterflies, bows and sunbursts, as well as striking silhouettes like the crisscrossed Kiss, the clustered Threads and the swirling Inspired by Twombly line, which pays homage to the work of American painter and sculptor Cy Twombly. And while diamonds are the main focus for Graff, his jewelry occasionally features other precious and semiprecious stones.
Browse Graff watches, rings, earrings and other accessories on 1stDibs.
Graff Jewellery Box with Outer Box for Brooches, Pendants & Earrings
By Graff
Located in Braintree, GB
Dimensions - 10 x 10 x 2.5 cm Period: Late 20th century Material: Black synthetic leather exterior with coordinating outer box and plush velvet interior Purpose: Designed to store an...
$2,500
H 0.9 in W 2.62 in D 1.45 in
Historically Important Antique 19th C. Gilt Snuff Box for Hannah Crowninshield
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An historically important gilt bronze snuff box. With highly detailed Neoclassical engraving throughout to the lid and sides. With a cursive inscription to the base for Hannah Crow...
Bronze, Gilt Metal
$49Sale Price / item|30% Off
H 2 in W 3.75 in L 4.5 in
White Crushed Velvet Jewelry Pochette Box with Gold Tassel
By Nijma M Fine Jewelry
Located in Toronto, CA
Whether at home, on the go, or traveling, make sure your precious jewels are always safe with this white crushed velvet pochette case with gold tassel detailing. Featuring a multi-purpose insert with two sides. One side of the insert suitable for two pairs of earrings and one necklace or bracelet. The other side suitable for one ring. Insert is also completely removable from pochette box. Dimensions of pochette box: Length: 4.5" Width: 3.75" Thickness: 2" White crushed velvet Gold tassel and cord detailing Jewelry pictured (all available on 1st Dibs, please visit Nijma M Fine Jewelry storefront): - 'Blue Ice' blue topaz triple band ring in 14K yellow gold (available in multiple sizes) - 'Diamond Plaza' square hoop earrings with diamonds in 14K yellow gold - 'The High Life' blue topaz and diamond crawler...
Cartier Gold Retro Box with Sapphire Clasp
By Cartier
Located in Darnestown, MD
Elegant 14 karat gold minaudiere by Cartier from the 1940's. This Retro piece has a double zig zag design on all surfaces. The clasp is a cabochon sapphire. The box measures 2 7/8 i...
Sapphire, 14k Gold
Antique Hand Painted with Floral Decoration Oval Trinket Box
Located in Arnhem, NL
An antique handpainted oval porcelain trinket box. The box features multicolored floral ornaments on white and celadon background. The box is braced with a gilded metal frame featuri...
Brass
$349
H 2.76 in W 2.37 in D 0.6 in
Antique Hand Painted with Floral Decoration Heart Shaped Trinket Box
Located in Arnhem, NL
An antique handpainted porcelain trinket box with a shape of a heart. The box features multicolored floral ornaments on a white and pale blue background. The box is braced with a me...
Brass
$806
W 2.37 in D 0.99 in L 2.76 in
A Heart, Yves Saint Laurent jewellery powder compact by Robert Goossens C. 1980
By Robert Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1980. France A vintage Yves Saint Laurent jewellery powder compact designed by Robert Goossens and dating from the 1980s. Heart-shaped in gold metal and emerald green crystal,...
Sterling Silver "Albert Einstein" Key Ring/Pill Box/Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Sterling Silver with Brass Accents "Albert Einstein" Key Ring/Pill Box/Hidden Compartment that Opens and Closes with Magnetic System. Could Be Worn as a Pendant or a Key Chain. This ...
Sterling Silver
$2,850
H 3 in W 7.25 in D 4.13 in
Signed Japanese 950 Sterling Silver Handled Jewelry Box with Chrysanthemums
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed Japanese silver jewelry box. In .950 sterling silver. With intricate engraved chrysanthemum decoration and a trefoil handle to the lid. The interior with a lacquered...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Perfume Bottle with Sterling Silver Round Pill Box
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Mid-Century and American made, this personalized duo services its owner well as an nostalgic and elegant way to transport finer luxuries. Carry a favorite scent along in this 3 x 1-1/2 inch sterling perfume bottle outfitted with secure screw top and cap cover. The perfume bottle has it's a smooth original, few minor slight dings and is stamped sterling silver. The accompanying piece is a 1-7/8 inch round , personalized pill or snuff sterling silver container...
Sterling Silver
German 800 Purity Silver Repousse Box With Enamelled Medallion
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This charming box dates to the Turn of The Century and has been crafted from 800 purity silver and decorated with enamels. The piece originates in Germany, is octagonal in shape and has been crafted with ornate repousse detailing. To the centre of the top is a delicately rendered miniature portrait of a lady...
Silver, Enamel
Crystal Gem Set Silver Box with Reverse Crystal Top
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1915 Frosted crystal pill or snuff box, measuring 1 1/4 inch in diameter and 1 inch in height. Having a silver hinged top with a mother of Pearl backed reverse crystal of a Col...
Emerald, Sterling Silver
Antique Vanity Shaving Dresser Box/ Travel Set Of 14 Pieces With Original Box
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Step into the times long gone with this amazingly preserved military officer's antique travel shaving set. Date letters on the sterling silver pieces date the items between the year...