Laurence Graff & family

Early Life

Laurence Graff was born in Stepney, London, on June 13, 1938, to a Jewish family. His mother encouraged him to learn a trade, enrolling him in a jewelry manufacturing workshop. Graff's passion for jewelry led him to leave school at 14 to become an apprentice.

Rise to Success

Graff's career began with repairing and creating small jewelry pieces. By 1960, he founded Graff Diamonds in London's Hatton Garden. He expanded his business, opening boutiques and developing relationships with wealthy clients, particularly in the Middle East. Graff's entrepreneurial drive led him to acquire and recut significant diamonds, including the Wittelsbach Diamond, and to establish a vertically integrated company.

Key Business Strategies

Graff's strategy focused on acquiring high-quality stones, creating unique designs, and building relationships with an international clientele. He expanded Graff Diamonds globally, opening boutiques in major cities worldwide and becoming a supplier of jewels to celebrities and royalty. He ensured a steady supply of diamonds by acquiring a stake in the South African Diamond Corporation (Safdico) in 1998.

Philanthropy

Laurence Graff is involved in philanthropy through the FACET Foundation, which supports education, health, and well-being in southern Africa.