GRAFF Diamonds Wins The Queen's Award For Enterprise: International Trade 2006

GRAFF Diamonds Wins The Queen's Award For Enterprise: International Trade 2006

April 21, 2006

    LONDON, April 21 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Exclusive
British jeweller GRAFF is the proud recipient of its fourth
Queen's Award For Enterprise.

    (Photo: 
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060421/209391 )

    GRAFF is synonymous with the most fabulous jewels in
the world. As a vertically integrated company GRAFF sources
and buys diamonds in the rough from various mines around the
world. Overseas expansion, including new stores in America,
Russia, the Middle and Far East, has doubled its overseas
earnings in the last three years with over 95% of sales to
overseas customers. Currently there are over 20 stores
worldwide with further stores opening in 2007.

    Laurence Graff, Chairman, commented: "We are
extremely pleased to have our achievements acknowledged
with a fourth Queen's Award and following the success of
the Graff stores both here and abroad we are looking
forward to new projects.  Our vision continues to be the
world leader in diamonds and fine jewellery".

    Today GRAFF is one of the largest producers in South
Africa with polishing and cutting factories based in
Johannesburg, Antwerp, Mauritius and New York employing
over 700 people worldwide.

    Only the best and rarest diamonds are brought to its
premises in London where they are designed and mounted into
the world's finest jewellery. All aspects of the business
are overseen personally by Laurence Graff to ensure a
quality control of the highest standard. Each new store
represents a major investment in terms of location,
architectural design, showcases, sales staff and the
display of rare high end jewels.

    Laurence Graff says: "The Award endorses our
international strategy and is testament to the energy and
commitment of our people who have made our UK and overseas
operations the success it is today."

    THE QUEEN'S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE 2006

    The Queen's Awards for Enterprise are the UK's most
prestigious awards for business performance. They recognise
and reward outstanding achievement by UK companies. They are
presented in three separate categories:

    * International Trade - recognising companies that have
demonstrated 
      growth in overseas earnings

    * Innovation - recognising companies that have
demonstrated commercial 
      success through innovative products or services.

    * Sustainable Development - recognising companies that
have integrated 
      environmental, social, economic and management
aspects of sustainable 
      development into their business.

    The Awards are made each year by The Queen, on the
advice of the Prime Minister, who is assisted by an
Advisory Committee that includes representatives of
Government, industry and commerce, and the trade unions.

    http://www.graffdiamonds.com

    For more information, please contact:

     Fiona Spence
     Tel:  [phone]

SOURCE  GRAFF Diamonds