gagosian quarterlyAnne-Eva, thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. To begin, as we’re an art magazine, we’d love to hear about what role art plays in your approach to Graff’s jewelry. Are there particular artists, museums, or art movements that inspire the Graff aesthetic?
Anne-Eva GeffroyArt is a constant source of creativity at Graff. We regularly browse the galleries of Mayfair, an area of London rich in art and culture. We take inspiration from both contemporary and historical artists, sometimes by referencing a specific artist or oeuvre and other times by interpreting something in an artwork—a sense of movement or rhythm, perhaps—that has moved us in some way.
GQBeyond the world of fine art, do you draw inspiration from other sectors of culture, be they architecture, interior design, cinema, et cetera?
AEGOur job as designers is to interpret the world around us, and inspiration can hit anywhere, anytime. The natural world, historical and modern architecture, music—all have details, shapes, and emotions that open up a world of exploration and guide me down new paths.
Design inspiration for Graff’s Threads collection
GQWhat is the process behind each collection? Do you start with a mood board, drawings, or some other source?
AEGWe know the Graff DNA and the shape and mood we want to achieve, so we start by sketching designs that fuse these elements, after which we transform our ideas into more considered designs. Once we have achieved the right dimensions, degree of articulation, and volume, we draw a realistic technical rendering, which is fundamental to creating perfect jewels. Our final designs are then presented to the Graff family, who select all future collections. They respond to the designs, discussing and commenting on them, sometimes requesting modifications. Once the family has approved a design, it is sent to the workshop, where the process of crafting the jewel by hand, complemented by the latest cutting-edge technology, can begin.
GQHow does the collection develop from these initial sources?
AEGFrom our initial ideas and sketches, we first develop the roots of a collection—iconic jewels that encapsulate the original source of inspiration or theme. Over time, a collection will evolve as we experiment with different colors, shapes, and stones to find the combinations that will best enhance the collection. At Graff, we like to offer our clients a wide range of jewels, with collections including creations that can be worn everyday alongside special occasion pieces.
Design inspiration for Graff’s Tilda’s Bow collection
GQCould you speak a bit about working with the team that crafts the jewelry pieces from your designs? What is it like seeing your ideas come to life?
AEGWe work hand in hand with the team of craftspeople at Graff. Each is a true professional who shares our passion for creating the finest jewelry, featuring the very best stones. The range and size of diamonds and gemstones that have passed through our hands is unbelievable, and we are all conscious of what an exceptional privilege it is to work so closely with these treasures. When we see extremely beautiful, unique pieces that could only be made by Graff coming to life, there is a shared sense of satisfaction and a great feeling of pride. From the initial sketches to a finished jewel that you can hold in your hand, we know precisely how much skill and expertise is required to achieve each masterpiece.
Photos: courtesy Graff
