For Valentine’s Day and Forever

If a diamond is forever, then making the ideal selection for the one you love is a decision that can’t be underestimated – and one that may require a bit of help. Whether you’re confused about clarity versus colour or you’re unsure which setting to select, a little insider intel can smooth the way to finding the perfect piece. Enter Graff’s Melbourne Boutique Manager and resident engagement ring authority, Maria Pople. She’s witnessed and assisted with countless special moments, from proposals to birthdays and, of course, Valentine’s Day celebrations.

True luxury takes time to perfect, and Maria has honed her skills in the industry over more than 30 years. If you’re seeking something extraordinary, she’s the person to ask. The Graff fine jewellery expert draws her inspiration from the memorable moments she shares through her work and is driven by creating exceptional experiences for clients. And it keeps her on her toes. One particularly romantic Sunday afternoon, Maria and the team hosted four separate proposal appointments in Melbourne’s Graff boutique. Each was complete with Champagne toasts, bespoke blooms and a stealthily concealed photographer to capture the magic of couples finding their dream diamond ring to seal the deal. Unsurprisingly, everyone said yes. Maria and her team have a remarkable success rate.

Asked what she loves most about her job, Maria asserts, “It’s the privilege to present the most fabulous jewels in the world, sharing knowledge with the passionate and enthusiastic team and inviting guests to join the journey with Kennedy, while enjoying the magnificence of Graff diamonds for a lifetime.” With her years of experience, she is well versed in what it takes to find the perfect engagement ring, or a fine jewellery gift for a truly memorable Valentine’s Day. Here, she explains what makes Graff unique in the space and how to select a piece from the house that will be treasured forever.

Q: How Does Graff do things differently when it comes to fine jewellery?

A: “Graff is positioned at the top of the luxury pyramid and is renowned for some of the most significant diamond discoveries in the world. It has made history by transforming some of the largest coloured diamonds worldwide and creating iconic jewellery.

Q: The business was founded in London in 1960 by Mr Laurence Graff and has been creating history over six decades. How involved is the Graff family now?

A: “Just like Kennedy, Graff is a family-owned business entrenched in tradition. The family is involved in every aspect of the jewellery creation journey from the sourcing of the rough stone to the cutting, polishing and setting process. They have nurtured the business of diamonds through an unrivalled enthusiasm and a passion to deliver the most exceptional stones for clients to cherish for generations to come.”

Q: What is your favourite little-known fact about the house?

A: “Graff creations are born from a signature ‘stone-led’ craftsmanship, honouring each diamond’s unique silhouette and celebrating its characteristic nuances.”

Q: Tell us about a recent romantic moment in the Graff boutique that made you fall in love with your job all over again…

A: “The opportunity to be immersed in the most fabulous jewels in the world every day is enough to take anyone’s breath away, however the most recent presentation of an exquisite bespoke diamond ring was quite unexpected. The gentleman went down on bended knee, proposing right there in front of us. The couple were so engaged with the moment they seemed almost oblivious to anything or anyone around them. The piece was a scintillating 1.51 carat Icon cushion cut diamond engagement ring – one of the most highly desired Graff settings.”

Q: So, if a proposal is on the cards, what are your tips for selecting an engagement ring to love forever? 

A: “Preparation is key. Start by viewing different designs and trying on a variety of settings and shapes to decide which best suits your hand. Consider your lifestyle, too, as this is a ring to wear every day, so it needs to be both exceptional and suitable. The four Cs are crucial – and we can offer our expertise here to help ease you into the world of diamonds. Considering cut, colour, clarity and carat weight may seem overwhelming, but we are here as experts to guide you and provide a seamless and exciting experience on the path to discovering your dream bespoke diamond ring.”

Q: What is the one piece of advice you always share with clients when ring shopping?  

A: “We always offer this question for clients to consider: ‘What is the most important of the four Cs for you to achieve your ultimate diamond ring?’ There will usually be an area that holds more significance or sentimental meaning for the individual or couple, whether it’s a particular shape, size or colour, which can offer flexibility when making your selection.”

Q: Fashions come and go, but a diamond is forever. Which style of engagement ring do you think makes a timeless choice and why? 

A: “The Graff Promise setting is a classic three-stone design featuring a central stone enhanced by proportionate shoulder stones.”

“A round brilliant cut, which offers splendid scintillation and light reflection, is equally timeless.”

“In recent times, elongated pear or oval shapes have become the most highly desired.”

Q: For those looking for something a little out of the ordinary, which style brings the magic? 

A: “A yellow diamond reflecting vibrant colour in a Paragon, Promise or Icon setting radiates sunshine and catches the light exquisitely. They have an almost mystical presence.”

Q: For clients marking Valentine’s Day with the gift of fine jewellery, which styles are trending this year? 

A: “Graff’s newest Wild Flower creations, inspired by the English garden, offer a stunning array of floral silhouettes and cluster bouquets.  Or look to the signature Butterfly collection which presents a flurry of butterflies – from petite to large – that dance and interplay with romantic emotion.”

Q: Finally, if you’re looking for a last-minute gift they’re guaranteed to love, what would you recommend?

A: “The Kiss collection a perfect pairing for Valentine’s Day, representing the most intimate sentiment. The Kiss Pave Diamond Stud Earrings or the graphic Kiss Diamond Ring both make beautiful gifts.”

So, whether you’re shopping for the perfect present, planning to ask that most important of questions or simply doing your research for when the time is right, heed Maria’s instructions: take the time to prepare and consider what’s most important. “An achievable timeline and trying different options are key,” she advises. “And remember, this is for the rest of your life, so you want to ensure that every time you look at the ring on your hand, it brings you immense joy.”

Begin your jewellery journey by discovering more about the House of Graff at Kennedy. Or when in Melbourne, step into the Graff boutique and let Maria and her team help you find The One.

Article written by our content contributor Emily Taylor.

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