boatinternational.com • 05 2019PHOTOGRAPHY: © CY TWOMBLY FOUNDATION; GETTY IMAGES; ALAMY; DAVID HERENDI
Talk us through the design process
The stones are the stars of each creation. We don’t
design a jewel and then find the stones – the gems
dictate the designs, and the whole process is
undertaken in-house. It always begins with a flash of
inspiration, which we develop as pencil sketches. Next
we translate our drawings into detailed gouaches, each
of which is painted by hand. Once a design has been
approved by Mr Graff it is sent to the workshop, where
the process of crafting the jewel can begin.
How does 3D/CAD design fit with more traditional
craftsmanship methods?
We use CAD technology to push the boundaries of
what’s possible. It enables us to realize highly complex
designs and refine them with absolute precision. It’s
the perfect complement to our craftsmanship heritage.FREE-FLOWING
Anne-Eva Geffroy,
below, captures the
essence of Cy
Twombly’s art, left,
with ribbons of
diamonds and swirls
of rubies and
diamonds, above.
POA, graff.comHarriet Mays Powell catches up with Anne-Eva Geffroy,
design director at celebrated jeweler GraffRomancing the stones
fter graduating from the École Nationale
Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris,
Anne-Eva Geffroy spent six years designing
for a famous French jewelry house before moving
London to join Graff as design director in- She was instrumental in launching “Inspired by
Cy Twombly,” the company’s new and ongoing
collection of jewels inspired by the work of the
American abstract expressionist artist.
How does abstract expressionism fit into the more
classic feel of Graff designs?
It’s an exploration of a genre with which Laurence
Graff, one of the world’s foremost collectors of
modern art, has a close affinity. Twombly’s graffiti-like
scribbles have been translated into seamless ribbons
of diamonds and gemstones that are spontaneous and
free-flowing – which was incredibly difficult to
achieve. Mr Graff’s passion for modern art is a
constant source of creativity. Sometimes we reference
a specific artist and other times we interpret
something in an artwork – a sense of movement or
rhythm, perhaps – that has touched us in some way.
What will be added to the collection in 2019?
New interpretations of Twombly’s calligraphic paint
strokes that play with the proportions of the loops to
form sculptural ribbons of diamonds. We created some
earrings set with swirls of rare yellow diamonds, and
an incredible watch that illustrates the synergy
between our jewelry and watch designs.
Besides art, what influences your creations?
I love to go for walks and immersing myself in nature.
The natural world, together with architecture and
music, are constant fuel for our imaginations.A
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