When a jewellery company is founded by a man who is said to have handled more diamonds of distinguished rarity and beauty than any other jeweller, you can be certain that the designs they unleash on the world are going to be remarkable.
English-born Laurence Graff conceived Graff Diamonds in 1960 after serving his time as a jewellery apprentice, winning the Queens Award to Industry in 1973 – and numerous times after that – before going on to open several stores in London and worldwide. Graff has acquired some pretty impressive, famous diamonds along the way, such as the Bombay Star, and the fascination with these exquisite gems is still apparent today in the company’s ground-breaking creations.
Graff’s Flower watch may be simply named but is by no means simple in looks; clearly taking the shape of a flower, its beauty is strikingly apparent. However, look past the composition as a whole and you will see the many components and design inspiration that has produced such a piece. Take, for example, the placing of the elements that carry a strong Arabic influence, suggestive of intricate, bespoke mosaic tiles that feature radiating, petal-like motifs. The dial is also included in this arrangement, rather than being rendered plain, and provides an interesting centrepiece – or heart – of the flower that seamlessly embraces the tips of the ‘petals’ surrounding it. There is no need for anything other than the vivid blue hands to match the cool colour scheme.
Next are the diamonds. Obviously the show-stoppers of the piece, their presence is fundamental in catapulting the watch into the higher ranks of quality, high-end jewellery timepieces. There are 120 in total, with eight of these filling the entire area of the inner petals. Eight inky blue sapphires grace the outer ring of petals, keeping all of the inner embellishments in check its bold outline. The bloom then takes pride of place on an elegant navy blue satin strap, which harmonises with the equally dark blue of the watch features and creates an altogether alluring and mature finish. There is also the option – should one wish to add further elaboration on the diamond front – of a fully gem-set bracelet that mimics the flowers’ petals.
