![Maestro Of Diamonds](https://cdn.magzter.com/1337346145/1680340369/articles/9Bn5PQsDC1680585834794/Jewellery.jpg)
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
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Prestige Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Prestige Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![In The Know](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/812/1725327/AGhzki4b31717747419645/crp_IN-THE-KNOW.jpg)
In The Know
Fashion designer SHANNON LEE's Shirt Number White flies under the radar, just where he likes it ... for now Words:
![Turn Of Thai Rice](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/812/1725327/aAWPmpRj_1717747050833/crp_TURN-OF-THAI-RICE.jpg)
Turn Of Thai Rice
Rare Okinawan spirit awamori captures a slice of the Japanese island's soul.
![Art For Heart Sake](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/812/1725327/QaO9hpMB_1717747520139/crp_ART-FOR-HEART-SAKE.jpg)
Art For Heart Sake
Ceramicist JEANETTE ADRIENNE WEE moulds a future in pottery art.
![Empire State Of Mind](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/812/1725327/TtKRvIUNv1717751374750/crp_EMPIRE-STATE-OF-MIND.jpg)
Empire State Of Mind
Harry Winston's New York Collection is a love letter to the city that never sleeps. The jeweller's latest high-jewellery collection explores NYC's landmarks and symbols through several chapters.
![Guarding A Grand Heritage](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/812/1725327/4upw8BFQm1717751674890/crp_GUARDING-A-GRAND-HERITAGE.jpg)
Guarding A Grand Heritage
In an exclusive interview with Prestige, fourthgeneration Patek Philippe chief THIERRY STERN discusses meaningful innovations, business continuity and what surfing's got to do with it.
![Layers Of Meaning](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/812/1725327/Cv83wuH9E1717746519888/crp_LAYERS-OF-MEANING.jpg)
Layers Of Meaning
Louis Vuitton’s Les Parfums Purs, a collection of single notefocused perfumes, allows you to be your own master perfumer.
![His Time To Shine](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/812/1725327/a6IaOvXQg1717752553168/crp_HIS-TIME-TO-SHINE.jpg)
His Time To Shine
2024 is the year men’s jewellery is shown off for what it ought to be bold, brilliant and tastefully transgressive.
![Watches And Wonders 2024: A Show Of Range](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/812/1725327/CWWnGysaN1717751922064/crp_WATCHES-AND-WONDERS-2024-A-SHOW-OF-RANGE.jpg)
Watches And Wonders 2024: A Show Of Range
In the second instalment of our report on Watches and Wonders the horological trade fair took place in Geneva in April we highlight standout new releases from 10 brands, ranging from stealthy tool watches to statement pieces you couldn't miss, even if you tried.
![Raise A Glass To China](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/812/1725327/XZnXfNOLr1717753760090/crp_RAISE-A-GLASS-TO-CHINA.jpg)
Raise A Glass To China
At the inaugural Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, three experts tell Prestige why you should consider picking up a bottle for your next dinner party or date night.
![TOAST TO LOCAL SPIRITS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/812/1725327/VrmK46Ize1717753616620/TOAST-TO-LOCAL-SPIRITS.jpg)
TOAST TO LOCAL SPIRITS
A growing class of \"Made in Singapore\" liquors give drinkers a taste of home.