Founded by “diamantaire extraordinaire” Laurence Graff in the 1960s, the House of Graff, is famed for its marvellous masterpieces, fine jewellery and rare gems.
The British jeweller, synonymous with some of the most fabulous jewels in the world, has decided it is time to chronicle its journey to the world by launching a beautiful coffee table book, entitled ‘Graff’, on October 27.
Published by Rizzoli New York, the book – which will be available at the Graff stores dotted across the globe, select bookshops and online – is hinged on a rather soul-warming cause. We are delighted to learn that all proceeds from the book will be donated to a charity supported by the jeweller. The FACET Foundation supports the education, health and well-being of the people living in the sub-Saharan Africa, which also happens to be the region from where the jeweller sources many of its precious stones to craft spectacular designs.
Lavishly illustrated, using black and white and colour photographs, the 272-page coffee table book captures the life and work of this self-taught gemmologist, whose passion for diamonds as a boy prompted him to apprentice himself in London’s famed Hatton Garden. Laurence Graff founded the eponymous house in 1960 and he was only twenty-two.
Tracing Laurence Graff’s footsteps from London’s East End to a global stage, while highlighting the brand’s creative oeuvre with essays are noted authorities on fashion, jewellery and watches. The book’s foreword has been penned by Suzy Menkes, International Editor of Vogue, while the essays – focusing on Laurence Graff’s extensive travels, inspirations, rare gemstones, artistry of jewellery and watch-making and the marvels of horological engineering – are authored by Vivienne Becker, Maria Doulton, Nina Hald, Joanna Hardy, Nicholas Foulkes. Joanne Harris, the author of bestseller ‘Chocolat’, shares her personal story of rapture and romance in the essay ‘Temptation’.
The book also throws a spotlight on the founder’s son Francois Graff, who helms the brand as its Chief Executive Officer, taking it to greater heights.
We can’t wait to get our hands on this coffee table book!
Smitha Sadanandan
