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Laurence Graff

Graff, 68, marked his fourth Queen’s Award for export with a London party last December. He also celebrated buying the 603-carat Lesotho Promise, one of the world’s largest uncut diamonds, for $12m. In 2006 profits at Graff Diamonds International leapt to £39m on sales of about £194m. By the end of 2007 there will be 28 stores worldwide. On the back of strong values in luxury brands we value the Graff operation, including overseas arms, at £1.3 billion. Past dividends and property take Switzerland-based Graff to £1,500m.