Brief: A new, stylish book dives into the world of Laurence Graff

Graff features essays from such bauble aficionados as Vogue International Editor Suzy Menkes and jewelry historian Vivienne Becker. Photos © GRAFF, Rizzoli New York, 2015.

Graff features essays from such bauble aficionados as Vogue International Editor Suzy Menkes and jewelry historian Vivienne Becker. Photos © GRAFF, Rizzoli New York, 2015.

 

Highlighted within the tome is the Hair & Jewel coiffure created out of $500 million-worth of diamonds in 2013 to commemorate Laurence Graff’s 60th anniversary in the business. Photograph by David Slijper.

Highlighted within the tome is the Hair & Jewel coiffure created out of $500 million-worth of diamonds in 2013 to commemorate Laurence Graff’s 60th anniversary in the business. Photograph by David Slijper.

BY KAREN AANONSEN

Fifty-five years after self-taught gemologist Laurence Graff started his eponymous label, he’s viewed as the best of the best in the jewelry industry. Now a new book examines his glittering rise to the top. Lavishly illustrated, Graff showcases the craftsmanship, artistry, and rarity that have become signatures of a man whose love for spectacular stones began as a boy. Unfolding over eight chapters, the $95 collector’s item even provides a fascinating peek at some of the brand’s most famous diamonds — from the 603-carat Lesotho Promise, which Graff famously cut into a necklace of 26 perfect stones, to the largest square Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond in the world, the 118.08-carat Delaire Sunrise — in their raw, uncut states. Just as fabulous? All proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to Graff’s charitable foundation, FACET, which supports the education, health, and well-being of the people of sub-Saharan Africa, from where the jeweler sources many of its jaw-dropping rocks.

—November 2015

 

 

Here, Laurence Graff displays some of his label’s most famous diamonds, including the Graff Sweethearts (top), which weigh in at 51.53 and 50.76 carats.

Here, Laurence Graff displays some of his label’s most famous diamonds, including the Graff Sweethearts (top), which weigh in at 51.53 and 50.76 carats.