Unveiled: The Graff Venus, the world’s largest D Flawless heart shape diamond!

Incorporating an extraordinary combination of science with senses, heart, passion and risk, Graff has pushed diamond artistry to its absolute finest, unveiling The Graff Venus, a 118.78 carat D Flawless heart shape diamond, reaffirming Graff as the leader in the world of special diamonds exceeding 100 carats.

The Discovery

Graff shares an illustrious history with the Letšeng mine in the Kingdom of Lesotho, where many of its most famous and magnificent stones have been uncovered.

It was therefore an exhilarating moment when a 357 carat rough was discovered at the Letšeng mine, displaying outstanding colour, clarity and a quality of the highest standard.

On viewing the 357cts rough through a loupe, Laurence Graff knew instinctively that hidden within its depths lay the potential to create a magnificent diamond – the rough displayed an outstanding size, colour and clarity of the highest standard.

This inherent belief in both the distinction of the stone and Graff’s own ability to unleash its inner beauty set the challenge to make diamond history once again.

Careful Analysis

It took Graff’s dedicated team several months of in-depth analysis and examination, using the latest computer that hidden within its depths lay the potential to create a magnificent diamond – the rough displayed an outstanding size, colour and clarity of the highest standard.

This inherent belief in both the distinction of the stone and Graff’s own ability to unleash its inner beauty set the challenge to make diamond history once again.

Careful Analysis

It took Graff’s dedicated team several months of in-depth analysis and examination, using the latest computer technology and expertise, before the stone was ready to be cut and polished. Senior gemmologists scanned the rough, mapping each tiny flaw in 3D and searching for its unique and distinct personality.

The assessment by Graff’s elite team revealed within the diamonds’ frosty surface a phenomenal heart shape diamond that would far exceed 100 carats.

This presented a particularly daunting task, to cut a heart shape stone of such size presents an enormous risk, but also a once in a lifetime opportunity which surpassed anything the world had ever seen before.

The Challenge is Set

A heart shape diamond must be perfectly faceted and entirely symmetrical to ensure a perfect silhouette and exquisite scintillation - its shape is a work of art in the hands of the master cutter.

After the initial cuts were made, using advanced laser technology, Graff’s craftsmen took the diamond to the wheel and worked tirelessly, continually assessing and ensuring the vital symmetry of the stone was exact.

The intensely skilled operation demanded the skills and experience of the world’s finest craftsmen. The cleft between the two fully rounded spheres of the heart increased the risk of cutting the diamond and required specially made tools bespoke to the task.

A Momentous Result

Following many hours of painstaking work, the diamond was sent to the Gemological Institute of America for certification, it was confirmed that Graff had achieved a miracle.

Laurence Graff, Chairman, comments: “We were given a once in a lifetime opportunity and we created absolute perfection. I am proud to say that we delivered the very best . The Graff Venus is beyond words. It is the most beautiful heart shape diamond I have ever seen.” 

Graff’s magnificent 118.78 carat diamond is the largest D Flawless heart shape diamond, to ever be cut and polished.

Graff Diamonds is synonymous with the most fabulous jewels in the world. Graff is a vertically integrated company involved in every stage of the jewellery making process – from the sourcing of each rough stone, through to the cutting, polishing and final setting of each exquisite jewel.

Throughout its rich history, Graff is said to have handled more diamonds of rarity, magnitude and distinction than any other jeweller. Perhaps most notably the House has dominated the list of historical and important rough diamonds cut and polished this century and remains the leader in the production and retail of exceptional diamonds and precious gemstones. Some of those exceptional diamonds include The Lesotho Promise, The Delaire Sunrise, The Wittelsbach-Graff, The Graff Perfection, The Graff Pink and The Golden Empress to name a few. Today, after more than five decades at the pinnacle of the luxury jewellery industry Graff continues to push the boundaries of ever-greater innovation and excellence.

Graff has also developed a luxury watch business, innovating in the development of complications, patented diamond settings and unique design.