THE British-born billionaire behind one of the world's most successful jewellers has been appointed an OBE in The Queen's Birthday Honours.

Published: Sat, June 15, 2013

Laurence-Graff-began-work-cleaning-toilets-in-1953Laurence Graff began work cleaning toilets in 1953

Laurence Graff began work cleaning toilets in 1953 but went into jewellery and founded Graff Diamonds in 1960.

From his first London store he set up branches in New York, Moscow, Tokyo, Dubai and Monte Carlo.

It is now one of the world's leading diamond companies and has its own diamond cutting shop in Johannesburg, South Africa.

laurence graff, king of diamonds, billionaire, obe, facet, chairty, children, africaGraff Diamonds is one of the world's leading diamond companies

Diamonds excite me, diamonds are my life. I see inside the stone and assess its natural beauty and value. I was born to be among diamonds

Laurence Graff

Known as the "King of Diamonds", Mr Graff, 75, has set up a charity called Facet to help children in Africa.

He said: "Diamonds excite me, diamonds are my life. I see inside the stone and assess its natural beauty and value. I was born to be among diamonds."

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