Laurence Graff was born in Stepney, London, into a Jewish family with Romanian and Russian roots. He left formal schooling early and at age 14 began his apprenticeship in jewellery repair in London’s Hatton Garden district, where he developed his practical skills and a fascination with diamonds. In 1960, Graff founded Graff Diamonds, starting from a modest London operation and gradually building a brand recognised for extraordinary gems, impeccable craftsmanship and a roster of high-net-worth clientele.

His ambition and vision saw him source and cut some of the most legendary diamonds in the world, including the Wittelsbach-Graff and the Lesedi La Rona. Under his stewardship, Graff Diamonds expanded internationally, establishing boutiques in major cities and creating a vertically integrated business from sourcing to retail. His approach combined entrepreneurial audacity with an almost obsessive dedication to quality, leading industry commentators to call him the “King of Diamonds”.

In recognition of his services to the jewellery industry, Graff was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2013. Beyond business, he has supported philanthropic initiatives and art-collecting, using his success to build a legacy in craftsmanship and luxury. Today, Graff remains a commanding figure in the world of luxury jewellery, his name synonymous with rare stones, high jewellery innovation and enduring brand prestige.