Early Life
Laurence Graff was born in Stepney, London, in 1938, into a Jewish family. He was encouraged by his mother to learn a trade and left school at 14 to become a jewelry manufacturing apprentice. His early experiences in London's Hatton Garden ignited his passion for gemstones, leading him to found his own company.
Rise to Success
Graff founded Graff Diamonds in 1960. By 1962, he had opened two jewelry shops and started building a reputation for creating adventurous jewelry. Over the years, Graff expanded his business, opening numerous stores globally, including locations in Hong Kong, New York, and Paris. Graff has become known for its high-end clientele, including Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey, and the Sultan of Brunei. His expertise in acquiring and cutting diamonds, along with his innovative designs, have solidified Graff Diamonds' position as a leader in the luxury jewelry market.
Key Business Strategies
Graff's success stems from a combination of factors. His focus on acquiring the highest quality stones, his ability to identify the potential in rough diamonds, and his flair for creating unique designs are central to Graff's philosophy. He has also been adept at building a strong brand image through exclusive retail locations and cultivating relationships with high-profile clients. A vertically integrated approach, encompassing design, manufacturing, and retail, has allowed Graff to maintain control over every aspect of its operations.
Philanthropy
Laurence Graff and his family are also involved in philanthropy through the FACET Foundation, which supports education, health, and well-being in communities in southern Africa. Graff sources many of his beautiful stones in Africa.