Wynn Magazine - Las Vegas
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/120116
WYNN LUXURY house in 1960? What is most vital to you in terms of traditions that always should be embraced and maintained? LG: The quality of stones that we use, and the level of craftsmanship imbued in every step of the jewelry-making process. We only use the finest-quality stones available, based on color, cut, and clarity, and we are also known for our stones of especially rare size and important historical provenance. Our workshop and design studio are based in London, and every single piece is created by hand from start to finish. The unique, one-of-a-kind designs that we create are showstopping, and our classic collection pieces are instantly recognizable and desirable. W: This is a favorite-child question, of course, but what stone or stones might top your list within the current collection? LG: We have so many; it's hard to choose. I'm very fortunate to have handled some of the most historic and rare gems of all time. One of our more recent pieces, the Graff Sweethearts, are a perfectly matched pair of exceptional heart-shaped diamonds exceeding 50 carats each. Cut and polished by Graff's master craftsmen, they are truly stunning stones that we have set as earrings, accompanied by pear-shape and round diamonds. W: What was behind Graff's decision to introduce watches into its selection in 2009? "Cut and polished by Graff's master craftsmen, the Graff Sweethearts are truly stunning stones that we have set as earrings, accompanied by pear-shape and round diamonds"—laurence graff LG: With so many men buying jewelry for women, it made perfect sense to be able to offer something for them as well. W: There is no shortage of choice in status watches these days; with that in mind, what sets a Graff timepiece apart? LG: The design of our watches is inspired by the facets of a diamond, and we closely link the art of fine jewelry-making to the art of fine watchmaking. We apply the same diamond-setting expertise to our watchmaking, using classic time-honored Swiss watchmaking traditions, combined with advanced horological movements created exclusively for Graff and utilizing the finest diamonds in the world. We currently offer five Graff Luxury Watch ranges, each with a specific characteristic that defines the category. Every watch is unique in terms of look and function, catering to the demands required for the occasion of use. Our ScubaGraff watch is designed to go underwater, for example, while our exquisite jewelry watches feature unique designs and only the very best diamonds and gemstones. W: You've been at Wynn since the resort opened in 2005, one of six Graff boutiques in the US. Why was it important to be in this particular location? LG: Las Vegas has a worldwide reputation for being a luxury playground; this makes it an 64 from top: Graff 's recently debuted $100 million Peacock brooch; the Graff Sweethearts, a pair of perfectly matched 50-plus-carat heart-shaped diamonds; and a 38.13-carat fancy intense yellow emeraldcut diamond ring with 4.12 carats of white trilliant-cut diamonds on the shoulders. important location for Graff. Our positioning within Wynn is a natural fit, given the brand's reputation for exquisite properties the world over. We recently opened a boutique within Wynn Macau, with interiors designed by world-renowned architect Peter Marino, who also designed our New York location. W: How might we find you wearing Graff on a daily basis? Which Graff pieces can't you go without? LG: I typically wear a watch. The GraffStar Grand Date 45mm, containing a movement that was created exclusively for Graff in Switzerland, is my preferred choice. This particular edition features a white-gold faceted case with a black dial and black crocodile strap. I receive a lot of compliments. W: What are your goals for the house as it approaches its 53rd year? LG: To continue to discover the most beautiful stones in the world, the rarest white and colored diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, and to create truly beautiful works of art with them, while continuing to grow our business internationally, meeting the needs and desires of our global client base, giving them access to these treasures, which they can pass on for generations to come. ■ WYNN 062-064_W_F_Luxury_Spring_13.indd 64 4/4/13 5:31 PM