Jeweler Laurence Graff and watchmaker Patek Philippe are among the few luxury goods product and service providers that have been named the “Best of the Best” by the Robb Report, the international affluent lifestyle magazine. The 14th annual survey is featured in the magazine’s June issue. Known throughout the industry as a daring businessman who never turns away from a beautiful stone—regardless of its price, Laurence Graff was lauded for his high-risk acquisitions. The magazine editors noted that Graf “is perhaps the only jeweler with the nerve to offer a pair of pear-shaped diamond drop earrings weighing 50 cts. each and worth about $15 million, as well as a variety of diamond solitaires each weighing upward of 50 carats.” Also recognized in the “Best Jeweler” category were the Fawaz Gruosi’s de Grisogono collection, period and estate jeweler Fred Leighton, and the Verdura salon. Among watchmakers, it was the venerable Patek Philippe that was selected among the “Best of the Best.” The editors were impressed with the international demand for the company’s timepieces. It specifically noted the phenomenal success of the company’s dual-faced Sky Moon watch, released at the 2001 Basel Show, which by the end of 2001, had a five-year waiting list. Only one of Patek’s watchmakers is capable of producing two to four Sky Moons per year, the editors wrote. The editors were also impressed with the success of Patek’s T150, which commemorated the 150-year anniversary of Patek Philippe’s relationship with Tiffany. Other timepiece manufacturers that earned “Best Watches” honors, included Girard-Perregaux, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Ulysse Nardin, Francois-Paul Journe, and Breguet. Culminating a year’s search for the luxury world’s most extraordinary items covering 47 major categories, Robb Report’s “Best of the Best” features premium-quality automobiles, magnificent boats, treasured jewels, luxurious vacations, rare works of art, wines, spirits, rare cigars, elegant clothes, and other lavish items. Also featured in the June issue of the magazine are the editors’ selections for “Best of the Rest,” an array of items that did not fit into primary categories, but justified praise and recognition. Included in this section are best concierge, smoking lounge, dry cleaner, and cheese shop, among others.

JCK