“The Diamond is a wondrous material. If you can enhance the gem by cutting it in the right way, finessing the exquisite proportions and allowing the light to dance within the stone, you will find the diamond really lives and speaks to you. Then you know you’ve done a wonderful job” – Laurence Graff
What better way to start my first book review other than with The Graff Book – A Story told in Diamonds. A 270 pages of pure Gemmology heaven with fantastic historical images and stories of success.
I’ve wanted this book ever since it came out in 2015, and I was so surprised when my partner presented it to me on my birthday back in 2017. I could not believe my eyes when I unwrapped it, and it looked even better than I imagined.
Written by
Suzy Menkes, Vivienne Becker, Maria Doulton, Joanna Hardy, Nina Hald, Nicholas Foulkes and Joanne Harris
Cover
The book has a beautiful pear-shaped diamond hardback cover with a gold embossed “GRAFF” brand writing and a gold sleeve with the famous Graff logo cut out (Super fancy)
GRAFF’s story unfolds over six decades – driven by the pursuit of the craft, a fixation with detail and a devotion to beauty. Since Laurence Graff OBE established the company in London in 1960, his fascination with the emotional power of gemstones has transformed Graff into a global hallmark of innovation, creativity and craftsmanship.
Without revealing too much, this fabulous book is divided into eight fantastic chapters going from the humble origins of Laurence Graff through his childhood to his great success as the most luxurious jeweller of all times, in my opinion.
Beginnings
Jewellery historian Vivienne Becker recounts the fascinating story of how a self-taught Hatton Garden apprentice made his way from the East End of London to become a figurehead of the modern-day diamond world.
Image
A journey through Graff advertising campaigns over the years explores how our vision of glamour evolved, and how the most fabulous diamonds in the world were portrayed across shifting times and trends.
Miracles
Maria Doulton, the founder of The Jewellery Editor, considers the fusion of natural wonder and extraordinary human ingenuity that transforms a diamond from a humble deposit in the Earth’s mantle to an irresistible vision of beauty.
Rarity
Jewellery consultant Joanna Hardy examines our history as a custodian of the world’s most celebrated gemstones, tracing the epic journey of these once-in-a-millennium jewels from rough stone to wonder of the world.
Artistry
Vivienne Becker steps into the London atelier of Graff’s design team, revealing the creative processes through which a designer’s dreams become a jewellery lover's reality.
Craft
Jewellery author Nina Hald meets our artisans to learn how boundary-breaking technology and handcrafting skills dating back thousands of years contribute to the making of a masterpiece.
Time
In the space of a single decade, we have become as well known for the intricacy of our horological engineering as for our jewels – Nicholas Foulkes examines the rapid rise of Graff Watches.
BONUS
The unimaginable luxury of this book is complemented with a unique poster insert. It displays the actual size of over 100 magnificent colourless and fancy-coloured diamonds purchased by Graff throughout the years. An impressive collection of famous Diamonds held by the one and only GRAFF
I purchased a picture frame online as I wanted to frame this beauty of a poster. It’s a fantastic addition to my evergrowing Gemmology mini-museum.
Details
Publisher : Rizzoli International Publications (27 Oct. 2015)
Language : English
Hardcover : 320 pages
ISBN-10 : 0847844811
ISBN-13 : 978-0847844814
Dimensions : 27.46 x 4.29 x 36.98 cm
Direct purchase link via Graff (HERE)
All proceeds from the sale of this coffee-table book GRAFF are donated to FACET. Find out more about the FACET Foundation (HERE)
Price: £150.00
Totally worth it
See what is inside this Book
*Some text has been used from Graff's website