The Transformation of the Winery Building
Harnessing Graff’s Quest for Perfection
Over the past six decades, the House of Graff has become synonymous with the pursuit of excellence. All of this has come to pass through the dedication and insight of one man: Founder, Laurence Graff OBE, whose understanding and appreciation of diamonds – combined with his unrivalled business acumen – have seen him handle some of the world’s most fabulous and important stones.
Throughout his career, Graff has also taken bold steps to re-cut and polish historical and celebrated diamonds, repairing and improving their colour to elevate them to even greater levels. One such stone is the Wittelsbach-Graff, which passed through many of Europe’s ruling houses by inheritance and dynastic marriage until it became part of the Bavarian crown jewels.
An audacious move, it was one that was entirely justified, when the stone was graded by the GIA as a 31.06 carat Natural Fancy Deep Blue Internally Flawless diamond – one of the most beautiful and valuable jewels in the world.
“It was a diamond that I knew could be made even more beautiful. It was a huge risk and a big relief when it came off the wheel, and it was deep blue, flawless and absolutely breathtaking ”
– Laurence Graff OBE
Many years later, another significant diamond from a private collection came up for auction. Upon seeing the 24.78 carat Fancy Intense Pink stone, Laurence Graff judged that its true potential had yet to be unlocked. With 25 inclusions close to the surface, he knew instinctively that repolishing could vastly improve the stone – but any mistakes in the process could shatter it.
After a thorough investigation, the diamond was polished, preserving its symmetry and ensuring minimum weight loss. He then set another challenge for his polishers: to increase the intensity of the colour and make the stone a Fancy Vivid Pink – the highest colour grade obtainable. A breathtaking gem was born and the Graff Pink was unveiled, a 23.88 carat Fancy Vivid Pink Internally Flawless diamond.
Laurence Graff’s desire to achieve absolute perfection is evident through the reimagining of the Winery Building at Delaire Graff Estate. Guided by his vision, David Collins Studio has created new interiors for Delaire Graff Restaurant, the Wine Lounge and the arrival lobby – a celebration of traditional materials, techniques and artisanship indigenous to South Africa.
Creating an elevated, timeless backdrop for Laurence Graff’s world-class art collection, architectural lighting casts a golden glow on earthy-toned and textured natural materials, including dramatic dark-stained timber, bronze ironmongery and opulent, richly veined marbles with radiant, colourful accents in sunburst orange and lavender purple.
