From heists to hallmarks: Your chance to see a fabulous diamond tiara up close
The jewels are part of an exhibition celebrating British jeweller Graff’s 65th anniversary
[SINGAPORE] Big rocks are irresistible targets for robbers. Just look at how eight items of the French Crown Jewels have shockingly been taken in broad daylight over the weekend from France’s Louvre museum. Keep the pricelessness of such items in mind as you consider paying a visit to Graff’s 65th anniversary exhibition at Ion Art Gallery this week.
Known for its diamond jewellery, Graff was founded by Laurence Graff – despite being told as a 15-year-old apprentice that he would “never make the grade” – and remains family-owned and operated. It is a vertically integrated company, with control from the mine to the store, thus giving it access to some truly exceptional stones.
The venerable London-based jeweller – which, incidentally, has also been the victim of several heists in the past – is showcasing some fabulous creations as part of its anniversary celebrations. These are pieces one rarely has the opportunity to lay eyes on, including a tiara featuring a magnificent 157.8-carat heart-shaped diamond.
The extraordinary D colour stone is one of the largest of its kind, cut from a 373-carat rough found in Botswana’s Karowe mine. The centrepiece of the Graff Infinity Tiara is accompanied by 18 heart-shaped diamonds suspended among flowing loops of yet more diamonds.
Also on display are other high jewellery pieces, including the Tribal necklace with fancy vivid yellow and white diamonds and a selection that includes rubies and emeralds.
Graff was the first jeweller to receive the prestigious Queen’s Award for Industry and Export (now known as the King’s Awards for Enterprise) in 1973. Considered the highest accolade for a British company, the award – which Graff has received four more times – is given in recognition of its success in international trade.
You get a better understanding of how it achieved its fame and success in a section of the gallery where more than a hundred replicas of Graff’s legendary diamonds and roughs are showcased. These include the 302.37-carat Lesedi La Rona – the world’s largest square emerald-cut diamond – and the 603-carat Lesotho Promise. The latter was turned into 26 D colour, flawless diamonds set in a simple, sautoir-style white gold necklace so nothing distracts from the beauty of the (very large) stones.
The global exhibition opened last month in Shanghai, with its Singapore stop on till Oct 26. It then travels to other key markets early next year. Catch it before it leaves.
Book an appointment to visit the exhibition at graff.com
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