Graff Diamonds has received a coveted Queen's Award in recognition of its outstanding international expansion, less than a year after chairman Laurence Graff was awarded an OBE for his services to jewellery.
It is the fifth time that the diamond company has been presented with the Queen's Award for International Trade. The accolade is awarded by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II every year on 21 April, which is also her birthday.
Graff, which currently has 45 flagship stores across the globe, was commended for its sustained increase in international operations over the last three years. Widely considered to be the highest accolade a British company can receive, the award is granted on the advice of the Prime Minister. It follows a comprehensive assessment of each application by an Advisory Committee consisting of leading representatives from industry, commerce, trade unions and the government.
Francois Graff, chief executive officer of Graff Diamonds, says: "We are delighted to receive this award, which is testimony to the ongoing success of our business. Operating at the very pinnacle of the luxury jewellery industry, we continue to expand into new markets, bringing fine jewels, crafted by hand at our London workshop, to a growing global audience."
Graff currently employs more than 600 people across the world and plans to further expand its international network this year and beyond. However, it is very proud of its British heritage, and its headquarters, design studios and workshops remain in central London.
