Graff Engagement Rings
The British jeweler Sir Laurence Graff (b. 1938) became utterly mesmerized by diamonds when he undertook his first apprenticeship at age 15 in London’s Hatton Garden jewelry district. It wasn't long before he established his now-celebrated eponymous brand, which produces engagement rings, necklaces, rings, earrings, stand-alone jewels, watches and more — all entirely in-house.
Graff had enrolled in classes at Central School of Arts and Crafts, and while he initially showed promise and was highly regarded, the shop owner, Mr. Schindler — who had his apprentice scrubbing floors and toilets — soon changed his tune, deeming him subpar. Undeterred, Graff learned to repair rings and designed small jewels at a humble workbench in his bedroom. He opened a 24-hour ring-repair service with a business partner and, in 1960, founded his luxury house. Two retail locations followed in London in 1962. Graff would go on to become one of the finest diamantaires in the world and was appointed an OBE in 2013 by Queen Elizabeth for his services to the jewelry industry.
Graff is known for handling some of the most famous diamonds in the world, including the Windsor Yellows, the Paragon, the Lesotho Promise and the Wittelsbach-Graff. He also purchased the 302.37-carat Graff Lesedi La Rona, which, at the time, was the largest diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America. The GIA certified the diamond — then the second-largest gem-quality rough diamond on record — as being of highest color and highest clarity. Lucara Diamond Corporation workers discovered the 1,109-carat rough diamond in 2015 at the Karowe mine in Botswana, and after Graff purchased the diamond in 2017, his gemologists and craftsmen spent more than 18 months polishing its final facets.
While many jewels, such as the Graff Lesedi La Rona, remain in Graff’s collection, he does sell extremely high-quality stand-alone jewels. Gems in his showrooms can reportedly fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars on average. Although these stones are perhaps slightly out of the budget of a typical Graff jewelry client, the house does work with more reasonably priced, but no less exceptional gems for its collections.
Naturally, diamonds feature prominently in Graff jewelry, which is known for being more avant-garde than traditional, although Graff does create classic engagement rings, too. The jeweler’s ready-to-wear collections integrate naturalistic motifs like butterflies, bows and sunbursts, as well as striking silhouettes like the crisscrossed Kiss, the clustered Threads and the swirling Inspired by Twombly line, which pays homage to the work of American painter and sculptor Cy Twombly. And while diamonds are the main focus for Graff, his jewelry occasionally features other precious and semiprecious stones.
Browse Graff watches, rings, earrings and other accessories on 1stDibs.
21st Century and Contemporary Graff Engagement Rings
21st Century and Contemporary Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s American Graff Engagement Rings
White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, White Gold, 18k Gold
2010s Modern Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s European Modern Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s Italian Modern Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
1960s Art Deco Vintage Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s American Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold,...
21st Century and Contemporary American Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Early 2000s American Contemporary Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s British Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary British Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Early 2000s Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary British Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary British Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Graff Engagement Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Graff Engagement Rings
White Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Graff Engagement Rings
Yellow Diamond, White Gold
Shop Antique, New and Vintage Engagement Rings on 1stDibs
Shopping for the right antique, new or vintage engagement ring can prove daunting. Whether you’re looking for that perfect Art Deco engagement ring, an antique Edwardian period engagement ring or a fashionable contemporary alternative, it’s important to choose a style that speaks to you.
Rings have long been signifiers of marriage and committed relationships. The modern diamond engagement ring can be traced back to 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria commissioned an expensive diamond ring for his betrothed. Diamond rings subsequently became extremely popular among the European aristocracy. Later, during the Victorian era, the popularity of diamond engagement rings had filtered down to the middle class, owing to the increasing accessibility — and affordability — of gold and diamonds.
Authentic antique Victorian-era engagement rings were frequently set in rose or yellow gold and they are highly collectible. Designs for Victorian engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal. Diamonds were likely to be small rose- or old-mine-cut (the ancestor of today’s cushion-cut) stones. The former are often associated with antique styles like Victorian or Georgian, as rose-cut diamonds are uncommon in modern jewelry. The diamonds were typically set in a group of five in a band or as a solitaire.
Victorian-era engagement rings also saw other gemstones accompanying diamonds. Small seed pearls and moonstones were popular. Other sentimental and romantic motifs such as hearts and stars took hold as well. When Prince Albert became engaged to Queen Victoria, he gave her a serpent ring with emerald eyes, her birthstone. This initiated a widespread craze for snake jewelry.
In 1886, esteemed American luxury firm Tiffany & Co. introduced its solitaire diamond design, which is still among the most popular styles of engagement rings. The Tiffany Setting raises the stone above the band on six prongs, allowing its facets to catch the light and reflect through the stone.
French jewelry house Cartier, which pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry and helped define Art Deco, sought to render the diamonds in their engagement rings and other rings as brilliantly as possible. The brand’s timeless Solitaire 1895 engagement ring gave the impression of delicate lace.
Edwardian and, afterward, Art Deco engagement rings that followed in the wake of Queen Victoria’s death in 1901 would be characterized by complex geometric designs and platinum settings. Owing to the Art Nouveau movement, nature was a major theme for Edwardian jewelry, while the diamond ring designs of the Art Deco period were inspired by Cubism as well as ancient Egypt. Art Deco engagement rings are bold and colorful and feature gems cut in nontraditional ways.
Engagement rings designed during World War II were made from two-toned metals and smaller stones. Large stones were scarce, and platinum was reserved for the military. Postwar engagement rings were intended to be simpler and focused on the beauty of the diamond. In 1947, De Beers Consolidated Mines, with the support of Philadelphia ad agency N.W. Ayer & Son, introduced the slogan “A diamond is forever” in a marketing campaign that emphasized a connection between diamonds and romance. Diamond sales skyrocketed, and diamond engagement rings became intertwined with the post–World War II marriage boom, which coincided with the ascension of specific diamond cuts.
The round brilliant cut, which consists of an astounding 58 facets, continues to be the most popular cut to this day. Jewelers such as Harry Winston had already gained a reputation for his talents by the time the De Beers campaign debuted, and he is said to have favored emerald-cut diamonds.
For everything from understanding the 4Cs to choosing between antique, vintage, contemporary and custom styles, get expert tips to help you find just the right ring.
When you’re ready to mark your momentous occasion, find a vast collection of engagement rings on 1stDibs.
Creators Similar to Graff
- How luxurious is Graff?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJune 6, 2024Graff is very luxurious. In fact, most experts refer to the brand as ultra-luxury due to the level of quality and the high price points associated with the British maker. Graff is known for handling some of the most famous diamonds in the world, including the Windsor Yellows, the Paragon, the Lesotho Promise and the Wittelsbach-Graff. While many jewels, such as the Graff Lesedi La Rona, remain in Graff's collection, the company does sell extremely high-quality stand-alone jewels. Gems in its showrooms can reportedly fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars on average. Additionally, the house works with more affordable, yet still exceptional, gems for its collections. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Graff jewelry.
- Is Graff worth it?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2024Yes, many jewelry lovers believe that Graff is worth it. Graff is known for handling some of the most famous diamonds in the world, including the Windsor Yellows, the Paragon, the Lesotho Promise and the Wittelsbach-Graff. Naturally, diamonds are featured prominently in Graff jewelry, which is known for being more avant-garde, although Graff creates classic pieces, too. The jeweler’s ready-to-wear collections integrate motifs like butterflies, bows and sunbursts, as well as striking silhouettes like the crisscrossed Kiss, the clustered Threads and the swirling Inspired by Twombly line, which pays homage to the work of American painter and sculptor Cy Twombly. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in Graff jewelry is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find Graff jewelry and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Is Graff high-end?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024Yes, Graff is high-end. Since its founding by Sir Laurence Graff, the British jewelry maker has become well known for carefully crafting jewelry using premium precious metals and gemstones. Graff is known for handling some of the most famous diamonds in the world, including the Windsor Yellows, the Paragon, the Lesotho Promise and the Wittelsbach-Graff. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of Graff jewelry.
- Where are Graff watches made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024Graff watches are made in Switzerland. The luxury maker has its atelier in Geneva, where its artisans assemble and finish all Graff watches. Most Graff movements come from other Swiss makers, including Vaucher, F.P. Journe and ETA. Explore a selection of Graff watches on 1stDibs.
- Are Graff watches good?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024Whether Graff watches are good is largely subjective. However, many watch lovers praise the quality of Graff watches. As a luxury watchmaker and a world-renowned jeweler, Graff is best known for its stunning diamond watches. The company has set records for the most expensive watches ever made with some of these diamond-studded timepieces, such as the Hallucination and the Fascination, which sold for $55 million and $40 million, respectively. Graff watches typically feature highly precise movements manufactured by legendary Swiss makers, such as Audemars Piguet and Jaeger-LeCoultre. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Graff watches and jewelry.
- Are Graff diamonds real?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024Yes, Graff diamonds are real. In fact, the British luxury jewelry maker is known for handling some of the most famous diamonds in the world, including the Windsor Yellows, the Paragon, the Lesotho Promise and the Wittelsbach-Graff. In addition to diamond jewelry, the maison also sells standalone diamonds. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of Graff diamond jewelry.
- Is Graff ultra high-end?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024Yes, Graff is ultra high-end. Experts reserve this term for brands that create pieces of unrivaled quality using only the finest available materials. Graff fits this definition by producing all of its jewelry in-house, adorning its pieces with high-quality gemstones in elegant settings that best display their natural beauty. The luxury jewelry maker is also known for handling some of the most famous diamonds in the world, including the Windsor Yellows, the Paragon, the Lesotho Promise and the Wittelsbach-Graff. Explore a variety of Graff jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Is Graff Diamonds a good brand?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024Yes, Graff Diamonds is a good brand. Simply referred to by the name Graff rather than Graff Diamonds International Ltd., the brand is widely celebrated for creating engagement rings, necklaces, rings, earrings, stand-alone jewels, watches and more, all entirely in-house. Graff is known for handling some of the most famous diamonds in the world, including the Windsor Yellows, the Paragon, the Lesotho Promise and the Wittelsbach-Graff. While diamonds are the main focus for Graff, the brand’s jewelry occasionally features other precious and semiprecious stones. Shop a variety of Graff jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024The cost of the most expensive Graff watch is likely to change over time as the luxury watchmaker unveils new timepieces. However, one of the priciest watches Graff has ever produced is the Hallucination, which carried a $55 million price tag when it debuted in 2014. This platinum bracelet watch features 110 carats of fancy diamonds in yellow, blue, pink and other colors. It took a team of 30 specialists four and a half years to handcraft the quartz watch. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Graff watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024Laurence Graff owns the Graff diamond watch. The luxury watchmaker has introduced two watches that the title "Graff diamond watch" refers to — the Hallucination and the Fascination. Both have estimated values above $40 million and remain in Graff's possession. On 1stDibs, you can shop a collection of Graff watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2024How much the Graff Pink is worth today is unknown. When it sold at auction in 2010, the gemstone fetched a selling price of $46 million. At the time, it was the most expensive diamond ever to be sold. Today, the gemstone is likely worth more. The 24.78-carat pink diamond gets its name from the buyer, Laurence Graff, a diamond dealer and the founder of the luxury jewelry brand. Its previous owner was another legendary jeweler, Harry Winston. Find a wide variety of diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024How much the Wittelsbach-Graff diamond is worth today is unknown. However, when jeweler Laurence Graff purchased it at an auction in 2008, he paid $24.3 million. At that time, the winning bid was the highest price ever paid for a diamond. After its discovery in the 17th century, the diamond became a gift to Philip IV of Spain's daughter. It was also owned by German royalty for a number of years. Graff is known for handling some of the most famous diamonds in the world, and the Wittelsbach-Graff diamond is just one of the many famous gemstones that Graff has added to his collection. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of Graff diamond jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024The Graff Diamonds Hallucination watch is so expensive for a few reasons. First, it features 110 fancy-colored diamonds and platinum metal, which are costly materials. Also, each diamond rests in a handcrafted setting and is hand-cut. As a result, the watch required thousands of hours of work to produce, leading to tremendous labor costs. Finally, Graff produced only one of the timepieces, and its rarity adds to its value. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Graff watches and jewelry.