Laurence Graff & family

$4.53 B

Ranked #910 in World

About Laurence Graff & family

British jeweller Laurence Graff, founder of Graff Diamonds, rose from his modest beginnings in Stepney, London, to amass significant wealth, evidenced by his £3.785 billion net worth (2020). His career, kick-started in 1960, saw his establishment grow to over 35 stores globally. Graff's 2008 re-cut of the Wittelsbach Diamond garnered both critique and praise for enhancing the gem's attributes. Now based in Gstaad, his family and passion for art are intrinsic elements of his personal life.

Born

June 13, 1938 in Stepney, London, UK

Age

87 years

Source Of Wealth

Diamond Jewelry

Industries

Fashion & Retail

Citizenship

United Kingdom

Residence

Gstaad

Spouse

Anne-Marie Graff (divorced)

Children

Laurence Graff, the renowned English jeweller and billionaire businessman, was born in Stepney, London, in 1938, into a Jewish family. His mother, recognizing his potential, encouraged him to learn a trade and enrolled him in a jewellery manufacturing workshop. Graff's passion for jewellery led him to leave school at the age of 14 to become an apprentice.

Laurence Graff & family: Family

Laurence Graff married Anne-Marie in 1962, but the couple later divorced. They had three children together: François Xavier, Kristelle, and Stephane. François Xavier Graff currently serves as the chief executive of the family business, Graff Diamonds.

Laurence Graff & family: Career Highlights

Graff's career in jewellery began when he partnered with Schindler, a jeweller, where they repaired rings and created small pieces of jewellery. He soon started selling his own jewellery designs independently to jewellers in England. By 1962, he had established two jewellery shops, including one in the renowned Hatton Garden.

In 1960, Graff founded Graff Diamonds, the company that would make him a household name in the world of luxury jewellery. His big break came in 1966 when he commissioned Robert Thomas to design a diamond jewel for the De Beers Diamond International Awards competition, which he won.

Graff's business acumen and keen eye for exceptional diamonds led him to specialize in selling to newly rich buyers from the Middle East, particularly Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei. This strategic move helped expand his company to over 35 shops across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.

Laurence Graff & family: Companies

Graff Diamonds is the primary company associated with Laurence Graff. Founded in 1960, it has become a globally recognized brand synonymous with luxury and exquisite craftsmanship in the jewellery industry.

Laurence Graff & family: Major Achievements

Laurence Graff's contributions to the jewellery industry were widely recognized when he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2013 for his services to the industry.

His combined personal net worth with his son Francois reached £3.785 billion, as reported in the 2020 Sunday Times Rich List.

Laurence Graff & family: Awards & Achievements

In addition to his OBE, Graff's achievements include winning the De Beers Diamond International Awards competition in 1966 for his exceptional diamond jewel design.

Laurence Graff & family: Personal Life & Legacy

Laurence Graff's personal life has been marked by both success and controversy. He is known for his passion for art collecting, particularly impressionism and contemporary art. One notable acquisition was Andy Warhol's 'Liz,' which he purchased for $12.6 million.

Graff's legacy in the jewellery industry is one of innovation, luxury, and exceptional craftsmanship. His bold decisions, such as the re-cut of the Wittelsbach Diamond, have sparked discussions about the balance between preserving historical heritage and enhancing the beauty of gemstones.

Laurence Graff & family: Trivia

Laurence Graff holds a 60% stake in the Graff Diamonds business through Graff Diamonds Corp., a holding company based in the Cayman Islands. The remaining 40% of the business is held in the name of his ex-wife, Anne-Marie.

Graff reportedly had an affair with jeweller Josephine Daniel, resulting in two children.

He currently resides in Gstaad, Switzerland, where he enjoys his retirement.

Wealth History

Timeline

1938

Laurence Graff is born in Stepney, London to a Jewish family.

1960

Graff founds Graff Diamonds company.

1962

Graff marries Anne-Marie and opens his second jewellery shop in Hatton Garden.

1966

Graff commissions Robert Thomas to design a diamond jewel for De Beers Diamond International Awards competition and wins.

2008

Graff purchases the Wittelsbach Diamond for £16.4 million.

2013

Graff is appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the jewellery industry.

2020

Graff and his son Francois have a combined personal net worth of £3.785 billion (2020 Sunday Times Rich List).

Laurence Graff & family : FAQs

What is Laurence Graff's current net worth?

Laurence Graff's current net worth is $4.53 billion.

What is Laurence Graff's current global rank among billionaires?

Laurence Graff holds the 910th position globally among billionaires.

What is Laurence Graff's current ranking within the United Kingdom?

Laurence Graff holds the 19th position in United Kingdom.

What was the change in Laurence Graff's net worth compared to the previous year?

Laurence Graff's net worth decreased by 0 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 4.53 billion dollars.

What are Laurence Graff's main sources of wealth?

Laurence Graff's main source of income comes from Diamond Jewelry.

In which industry does Laurence Graff primarily operate?

Laurence Graff is primarily involved in the Fashion & Retail industry.

How old is Laurence Graff?

Laurence Graff is 87 years old.

How many children does Laurence Graff have?

Laurence Graff has 5 children.

Who is Laurence Graff and what is he known for?

Laurence Graff is an English jeweller and billionaire businessman, renowned as the founder of luxury jewellery company Graff Diamonds.

Can you outline Laurence Graff's early life and entry into the jewelry trade?

Laurence Graff was born in 1938 in Stepney, London, into a Jewish family. Encouraged by his mother to learn a trade, he left school at 14 to become a jewellery manufacturing apprentice.

How did Laurence Graff establish his career in the jewelry industry?

Graff's career advanced from partnering with Schindler, a jeweller, to repairing rings and crafting jewelry. He independently sold his designs and by 1962 owned two shops, one in Hatton Garden. He founded the prestigious Graff Diamonds in 1960 and won recognition with the De Beers Diamond International Awards in 1966.

What was the significance of Laurence Graff re-cutting the Wittelsbach Diamond?

Laurence Graff purchased the Wittelsbach Diamond for £16.4 million in 2008 and had it re-cut, enhancing its colour and clarity. This decision was controversial, but it also received praise from some gemologists for the improvement.

Could you tell me about Laurence Graff's personal life and his involvement in the arts?

Laurence Graff married Anne-Marie in 1962 and had three children; they are now divorced. He now lives in Gstaad, Switzerland, and has significant interests in art, notably impressionist and contemporary art, exemplified by his purchase of Andy Warhol's 'Liz' for $12.6 million.