Laurence Graff

Early Life and Background

Laurence Graff was born on June 13, 1938, in Stepney, East London, England, into a family of Jewish heritage. His father was a tailor, and his mother was of Romanian descent, while his father hailed from Russia. Graff's early life was marked by the post-war austerity of London. He attended school in the East End, but his formal education was cut short when he left school at the remarkably young age of 15. Displaying an early entrepreneurial spirit and a keen interest in the world of commerce, he did not pursue further academic studies. Instead, Graff embarked on an apprenticeship with a jeweller named Schindler in Hatton Garden, London's historic diamond and jewellery quarter. This hands-on experience provided him with an invaluable foundational understanding of the diamond trade, from the intricacies of cutting and polishing to the nuances of sales and customer relations. During this period, he also began selling small rings to other jewellers, demonstrating his nascent business acumen.

Education

Laurence Graff's formal education concluded at the age of 15 when he left school. He did not attend university or pursue any higher academic degrees. His true 'education' came through practical experience and self-study within the jewellery industry. His apprenticeship in Hatton Garden served as his primary vocational training, where he rapidly absorbed the complex knowledge required to identify, evaluate, and work with diamonds. This period was crucial in shaping his expertise and laying the groundwork for his future success, instilling in him a deep, intuitive understanding of the diamond market that proved far more valuable than any formal degree.

Career

Laurence Graff's career trajectory is a testament to his vision and relentless drive. In 1960, at the age of 22, he founded his eponymous company, Graff Diamonds. Just two years later, in 1962, he opened his first two retail stores in London, marking the official commencement of his luxury brand. From these modest beginnings, Graff embarked on an ambitious expansion strategy. By 1973, he had established his first international store in Switzerland, signaling his ambition to become a global player in the high-end jewellery market. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Graff Diamonds expanded its presence across Europe, Asia, and the United States, cultivating a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship and unparalleled quality.

A pivotal aspect of Graff's career has been his strategic vertical integration within the diamond supply chain. He acquired a significant stake in the South African Diamond Corporation (SAFDICO), a move that provided Graff Diamonds with direct access to rough diamonds from mines across Africa, including those in South Africa, Botswana, and Angola. This direct sourcing mechanism not only ensured a consistent supply of high-quality stones but also allowed Graff to control the entire process from mine to market, a rare feat in the luxury diamond industry. This deep engagement with African diamond production solidified his foundational link to the continent's rich mineral resources.

Graff is renowned for his unparalleled ability to acquire, cut, polish, and sell some of the world's most famous and historically significant diamonds. His notable acquisitions and transformations include the 603-carat Lesotho Promise, which he bought as a rough stone and cut into 26 flawless diamonds; the Wittelsbach-Graff, a 31.06-carat fancy deep blue diamond originally from the Bavarian crown jewels; the Graff Pink, a 24.78-carat fancy intense pink diamond; the Oppenheimer Blue, a 14.62-carat fancy vivid blue diamond that set a world record for any jewel at auction; and the Lesedi La Rona, the second-largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered, weighing 1,109 carats. His expertise in transforming these rough wonders into polished masterpieces has earned him the moniker 'King of Diamonds'.

Beyond diamonds, Graff has diversified his interests, most notably with the establishment of the Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa. This luxurious property encompasses a world-class winery, a boutique hotel, a spa, and a renowned restaurant, all set amidst a stunning backdrop of vineyards and mountains. The estate also houses a significant portion of Graff's private art collection, featuring works by prominent African and international artists. This venture further cemented his profound economic and cultural ties to South Africa.

Major Achievements

Laurence Graff's achievements are manifold, reflecting a lifetime dedicated to the diamond industry. He successfully built Graff Diamonds from a single store into a global luxury empire with over 50 boutiques worldwide, making it one of the most recognizable and respected names in high jewellery. He has handled more significant and famous diamonds than any other diamantaire in history, demonstrating an unparalleled eye for quality and rarity. His vertical integration strategy, particularly through SAFDICO, revolutionized his supply chain, ensuring ethical sourcing and control over every stage of diamond production. Furthermore, his philanthropic efforts, primarily through the Graff Foundation, have made substantial contributions to communities in Africa, particularly in Lesotho, where the foundation supports schools and provides healthcare initiatives. The establishment of the Delaire Graff Estate showcases his ability to extend his luxury brand into other high-end sectors, creating a holistic luxury experience.

Personal Life

Laurence Graff has been married twice. His first marriage was to Anne-Marie Graff, with whom he had three children: François Graff, who currently serves as the CEO of Graff Diamonds, ensuring the family's continued involvement in the business; Henri Graff; and Kristelle Graff. Following his divorce from Anne-Marie, he later married Eleonora Graff. Graff is known for his passion for art collecting, with a particular focus on contemporary and modern works, many of which are displayed at his Delaire Graff Estate in South Africa. Despite his immense wealth and global success, he maintains a relatively private personal life, though his dedication to his craft and his family business remains evident. He is also an avid golfer.

Legacy

Laurence Graff's legacy is defined by his profound and lasting impact on the global diamond industry. He transformed the perception of luxury diamonds, elevating them to an art form and making them accessible to an exclusive clientele worldwide. His commitment to ethical sourcing, although operating in an industry historically fraught with challenges, has pushed for greater transparency and responsibility, particularly through his adherence to the Kimberley Process. The Graff Diamonds brand, under his stewardship, has become a benchmark for rarity, quality, and exceptional design. His philanthropic work in Africa, particularly in supporting education and health in diamond-producing nations like Lesotho, demonstrates a commitment to giving back to the communities that are integral to his business. As his son, François Graff, continues to lead the company, Laurence Graff's vision and principles are set to endure for generations, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in the history of luxury goods and the 'King of Diamonds'.