From Rough Diamond to
Owner of an Empire
With his company Graff Diamonds, Laurence Graff shaped the international jewelry industry by building an empire that stands out not only when it comes to extraordinary diamonds, but also luxury hotels, wines and sustainable commitment.
(Empire) This is the fascinating story of a man whose life and work is characterized by the most precious gemstone in the world, the diamond. Laurence Graff grew up in modest circumstances in London’s East End. From an early age, he had to overcome financial challenges and demonstrated a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit. His strategy for success is based on an unerring instinct for quality and the ability to spot opportunities where others would hesitate.
After training as a goldsmith, he founded his own company, Graff Diamonds, in 1960 at just 22 years old. Two years later, in 1962, he opened his first two jewelry stores in the renowned district of Hatton Garden, London’s historic center of jewelry trade. Graff’s eye for exceptional diamonds and his mastery of cutting and polishing precious stones, quickly made him one of the most sought-after jewelers worldwide.
The Keeper of Legendary Diamonds
Over the span of his career, Graff has dealt in legendary diamonds such as the Idol’s Eye, the Emperor Maximillian, the Windsor and the famous Lesotho Promise. In 2008, Graff caused an international uproar when his company acquired and subsequently recut the Blue Wittelsbacher diamond, which was the subject of controversial debate among industry experts as well as the public. The purchase of the Lesedi La Rona diamond in 2017, for which Graff Diamonds paid 53 million dollars, was another milestone in Graff’s legacy. His creations are glamorous, timeless and surprising time and time again. From classic 1-carat diamonds to million-dollar necklaces, his style is as distinctive as it is radiant.
Like his diamonds, Graff’s
empire has developed in
just as many facets.
Beyond Diamonds
Like his diamonds, Graff’s empire has developed in just as many facets: His love for exquisite wines has repeatedly drawn him to South Africa’s Western Cape. In 2003, he acquired a top-class winery: the Delaire Graff Estate at the foot of Botmaskop Mountain in South Africa’s Cape Winelands. It’s picturesquely nestled in the scenic Stellenbosch wine region, just an hour’s drive from Cape Town airport. Under his management, the estate has developed into one of the most exclusive wineries in the country. The magnificent gardens, designed by renowned landscape designer Keith Kirsten, provide an impressive stage for sculptures by South African artists such as William Kentridge, Robert Hodgins and Deborah Bell. In addition, the wine estate is home to the award-winning restaurant “Delaire Graff”, which is acclaimed for its creative cuisine and spectacular views. Shaded by ancient oak trees, the restaurant’s wide wooden terrace offers breathtaking views over the vineyards and olive groves from Simonsberg Peak across the Banghoek Valley. For oenophiles and high culinary aficionados alike, this is an ever-popular destination.
A Sanctuary of Luxury
In 2010, Graff added an exceptional boutique hotel to the property, with just ten luxurious suites designed by London designer David Collins. Each suite offers a private retreat with its own pool and spectacular views over the vineyards. Loving details such as a pillow menu, a room-in-bar with handmade treats and a luxurious spa with a holistic treatment concept reflect the hotel’s high standards.
Arguably the most impressive hotel unit of all is Laurence Graff’s private retreat: a two-level architectural masterpiece on 660 m², featuring four bedrooms, a 14 m heated infinity pool, extensive outdoor living and dining areas, and panoramic views across the Stellenbosch Valley to Table Mountain.
From a culinary perspective, guests are spoiled by two further first-class restaurants managed by chef Clinton Jacobs. Hōseki, the Japanese fine dining restaurant under the direction of Virgil Kahn, specializes in innovative Asian cuisine, while Lorenzo’s serves fine Italian specialties as well as simple pizza in its extraordinary Iroko wooden pergola. An in-house vegetable and herb garden supplies the kitchen with the freshest possible ingredients.
As the magic of wine is omnipresent at Graff Delaire, wine lovers travel from all over the world to experience the famous tastings. The Delaire Graff Icon Wine Club, established by the host, invites members to sample a unique portfolio of wines that are among the most prestigious in the southern hemisphere. Being an Icon member grants you access to limited vintage editions and pre-releases.
As the magic of wine is
omnipresent at Graff Delaire,
wine lovers travel from all over
the world to experience the
famous tastings.
A Heart for Philanthropy
Graff is not only a jeweler and hotelier—he is also a philanthropist. Building on his success, he aimes to do good and build bridges. For this purpose, he founded the FACET Foundation (For Africa’s Children Every Time) more than 15 years ago, which supports education, training and medical care for children in Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa. After countless visits to the region, he recognized the enormous potential of its children and young people and resolved to become actively involved in supporting them. To this day, FACET works closely with charitable partner organizations providing young people with new perspectives. As such, Laurence Graff is not only shining in the world of luxury, but in social commitment too.