Graff High Jewelry: From Mine to Masterpiece
Uncover how Graff’s high jewelry collection brings rare diamonds to life, blending heritage, innovation, and exceptional artistry in every masterpiece.
Graff History
Founded in 1960 by Laurence Graff, Graff is one of the most prestigious high jewelry houses in the world. Based in London, Graff quickly earned a reputation for its impeccable craftsmanship, breathtaking designs, and extraordinary diamonds. Laurence Graff, often referred to as the "King of Bling," broke into the competitive world of high jewelry with a vision to create pieces that exuded rarity and exclusivity. Today, Graff remains a family-owned business, operating exclusively through its brick-and-mortar boutiques.
What sets Graff apart from its competitors is its complete control over the jewelry-making process. Unlike other high jewelry houses such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Harry Winston, which primarily focus on designing and selling finished pieces, Graff oversees the entire journey of a diamond—from mining the rough stone to cutting, polishing, and crafting the final masterpiece. This vertically integrated approach allows Graff to maintain an unparalleled level of quality and exclusivity. While this strategy involves greater risk, it ensures that every stage of production meets the house’s exacting standards, further solidifying Graff's reputation as a leader in high jewelry.
Graff High Jewelry Competitors
Within the realm of high jewelry, Graff competes with some of the most renowned names in the industry, including Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Bvlgari. However, what distinguishes Graff from its peers is its access to some of the largest and most exceptional gemstones in the world. Graff's expertise in diamond cutting and its ability to source rare stones set it apart in the ultra-luxury sector.
Unlike Tiffany & Co., which primarily caters to a broader audience, Graff focuses on an elite clientele, offering jewelry at significantly higher price points. The brand's average selling price exceeds $100,000, making it one of the most exclusive jewelry houses in the world. Graff’s majority stake in South African Diamond Corp, a leading rough diamond wholesaler and manufacturer, further enhances its ability to source and curate extraordinary gems. This commitment to securing the most breathtaking diamonds has solidified Graff’s position as one of the foremost names in high jewelry.
Graff Diamonds
A Graff diamond ring is one of the most coveted luxury engagement rings in the world. Known for selecting only the most spectacular diamonds, Graff maintains strict quality control by overseeing every step of the process, from mining to final craftsmanship. Like other prestigious jewelry houses, Graff specializes in engagement rings featuring high-quality diamonds of three carats and larger. Celebrities such as Drew Barrymore have been seen wearing Graff engagement rings, with her 4-carat radiant-cut ring estimated to be worth around $80,000.
Graff has also made headlines at prestigious auction houses. Sotheby’s frequently features Graff diamond rings, with notable sales including a 21.54-carat oval-shaped Graff diamond ring that sold for $1.4 million in June 2024. Additionally, Graff’s colored diamond rings are highly sought after, with collectors valuing their rarity and exceptional craftsmanship.
One of the most famous diamonds associated with Graff is the Graff Pink. Originally a 24.76-carat Fancy Intense pink diamond, Laurence Graff purchased it at a Sotheby’s auction in 2010 for $46 million. Following meticulous repolishing, the diamond was refined to 23.88 carats, achieving a Natural Fancy Vivid Pink Internally Flawless Type IIa status. This transformation showcases Graff’s exceptional ability to enhance the natural beauty of gemstones while preserving their historical significance.
This pair of Graff Diamond Pendant-Earrings recently sold for 780,000 USD in February 2025. Featuring pear-shaped diamonds weighing 9.39 and 8.46 carats, suspended from delicate lines of round diamonds, the earrings exemplify Graff’s commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and design. Set in platinum and weighing approximately 11 grams in total, the earrings showcase Graff’s meticulous attention to detail, with each pear-shaped diamond mounted with pendant hooks for versatility. The sale underscores the brand’s enduring appeal in the high jewelry market, reinforcing its reputation for offering some of the world’s most spectacular and rare gemstones.
Graff has also ventured into horology, with its most extravagant creation being the $55 million Graff Hallucination watch. Unveiled at Baselworld 2014, this timepiece is adorned with over 110 carats of rare colored diamonds. A team of 30 Graff specialists dedicated countless hours to crafting this masterpiece, further cementing Graff’s expertise in luxury jewelry and gemstone sourcing. While the watch was never sold, it served as a testament to Graff’s unparalleled artistry and access to the world’s rarest diamonds.
The Allure of Graff Jewelry
Since its inception, Graff has captivated royalty, celebrities, and high-net-worth clients with its dazzling creations. Iconic figures such as Elizabeth Taylor, Oprah Winfrey, Victoria Beckham, and the Sultan of Brunei have all been loyal patrons of the house. Graff is known for fostering long-standing relationships with its clients, offering an unmatched level of exclusivity and personalized service.
Graff jewelry is often featured in the secondary market, with Sotheby’s curating a selection of some of its most exceptional pieces. The house’s commitment to using only the finest diamonds ensures that nearly all Graff creations feature stones with color grades of D-F on the color scale. The design aesthetic is another crucial aspect of Graff’s appeal, with intricate settings and timeless styles that enhance the natural beauty of each gemstone. On Sotheby’s Marketplace, Graff pendant necklaces showcase the brand’s mastery in diamond arrangement and innovative design.
Ethical sourcing is a key consideration for high jewelry collectors, and Graff is deeply committed to the Kimberley Process, ensuring that all its diamonds are conflict-free. This dedication to ethical practices adds another layer of prestige to the brand, assuring clients that their acquisitions are both luxurious and responsibly sourced.
Graff stands as one of the most distinguished names in high jewelry, renowned for its breathtaking diamond creations and commitment to excellence. While the house does offer a limited selection of pieces under $100,000, the majority of its collection caters to the ultra-luxury market, with prices well above this threshold. Although best known for its exquisite diamond jewelry, Graff also creates remarkable pieces featuring rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and an impressive array of colored diamonds, including rare yellow and pink stones.
What truly sets Graff apart is its direct access to the finest rough diamonds, its dedication to impeccable craftsmanship, and its unwavering commitment to creating masterpieces that transcend time. As one of the most revered high jewelry houses, Graff continues to push the boundaries of luxury, offering some of the most extraordinary pieces the world has ever seen.
Advantages to Buying Graff High Jewelry on the Secondary Market
1. Access
Sotheby’s provides exclusive access to a curated selection of Graff high jewelry from its long established global network of sellers. As a leading marketplace, Sotheby's offers pristine Graff jewelry pieces in the most coveted designs and gemstones. Our jewelry specialists are dedicated to sourcing the most desirable Graff jewelry pieces from collectors around the world.
2. Flexibility
Sotheby’s offers multiple ways to purchase Graff high jewelry, including online and in person at our locations in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris, and London. We also provide a concierge service to help source specific Graff pieces not available online.
3. Value
While Graff boutiques offer their iconic jewelry collections, finding specific designs, gemstones, or styles can sometimes be a challenge due to limited availability. Sotheby’s provides a curated selection of Graff jewelry pieces, including rare and sought-after designs, available for purchase without the need to visit a physical store. Shopping with Sotheby’s allows you to discover exceptional Graff jewelry, from vintage masterpieces to contemporary classics, all in one place. Whether you're searching for a timeless diamond engagement ring or a unique statement piece, Sotheby’s offers a seamless and efficient way to acquire the perfect Graff treasure, saving you time while ensuring authenticity and quality.
4. Discovery
One of the greatest advantages of shopping in a global luxury marketplace is the chance to discover unique, one-of-a-kind Graff gemstones and designs that are no longer available in Graff stores. Our curated selection of Graff jewelry is continuously refreshed, ensuring that you’ll always find something new and exclusive.
Buy and Sell Graff High Jewelry At Sotheby's
Sotheby's often has rare Graff high jewelry pieces available at auction. Sotheby's also has a curated selection of Graff high jewelry available for immediate purchase on marketplace. If you would like to view Graff jewelry, a salon specialist would be happy to assist. Sotheby's is also able to source Graff jewelry from its global supplier network. Prices for Graff high jewelry begin at around $200,000, with prices rising substantially for highly coveted gemstones, which can surpass $750,000.
- Explore upcoming jewelry at auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich, London, Paris, or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Contact a Jewelry Specialist about selling a Graff high jewelry piece.
Trust our worldwide network of leading jewelry specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
