KORLOFF's world
The history of Maison KORLOFF is intimately linked to the story of its eponymous black diamond of legendary cosmic origin.
A STORY AND A LEGEND TIED TO ITS IMMEMORIAL DIAMOND - COSMIC ORIGINS
The story of Maison KORLOFF is inextricably linked to its eponymous black diamond, made of matter formed in the explosion of a supernova nearly four billion years ago! Thrown to earth and expelled from its core in a volcanic eruption, the huge 200-carat nugget was acquired by the Korloff-Sapojnikoff family, members of the Russian nobility. Mysterious and fascinating, endowed with a powerful magnetism, the gem has been passed down like a talisman through the generations. With the revolution that took down the Tsarist regime, the family sought refuge in Europe, where its members escaped the horrors taking place in their country of origin. The black diamond became synonymous with renewed luck and happiness. Subsequently owned by the famous Krochmal & Lieber - the upper class of diamond traders - the black diamond then cast its spell on French diamond dealer Daniel Paillasseur, who acquired it.
1978: Maison KORLOFF IS FOUNDED
As a visionary entrepreneur from Lyon, Daniel Paillasseur christened the black diamond "KORLOFF," in honor of its former owners, and established the eponymous house of fine jewelry and diamonds. For eighteen months, the exceptionally hard stone - which made it more difficult to shape than other diamonds - was cut to eighty-eight carats to reveal its mysterious luster, at once somber, metallic, and obscure.
Forty-five years later, the Black KORLOFF remains an endless source of inspiration, in both soul and substance.
Thanks to the company's expertise, the diamond jeweler soon gained a reputation as a standard-setter. In an era when investing in diamonds reached its peak, KORLOFF's partnership with one of the world's greatest stone-cutters paved the way for its success on the French market.
Yet Maison KORLOFF was also a pioneer, having introduced a new style combining art deco inspiration and a novel way of using multi-colored lacquer to showcase diamonds in collections adored by all.
The success of these collections placed KORLOFF in a class of its own and allowed it to diversify, which quickly positioned it as a global brand. This is the story of how Korloff distilled its know-how and expertise, evolving to become a purveyor of fine jewelry, watches, silk scarves, and elegant accessories.
THE 1990s AND INTERNATIONALIZATION
Maison KORLOFF enters the prestigious Comité Vendôme in 1993. The diamond jeweler set up shop at 12 rue de la Paix, in the diamond district of Paris. With the arrival of Bassam Azakir, the dream continued as the Asian, Middle Eastern, and Eastern markets were conquered. The brand offers its creations through a network of exclusive shops and corner stores in fifty countries.
DIAMOND-CUTTING EXCELLENCE: PROPRIETARY K73 AND K88 CUTS DESIGNED IN 2005 AND 2008
Maison KORLOFF designed the K73 and K88 cuts as a tribute to the octagonal shape of Place Vendôme in Paris and to the house's black diamond. These innovations - the result of ten years of research - are celebrated on the same level as the Princess, Pear, Marquise, and Round Brilliant diamond cuts. Diamonds whose brilliance is intensified by the multiplication of facets have unsurpassed fire.
MAISON KORLOFF CASTS ITS GAZE ON THE WORLD FROM ABOVE
Loyal to the mysterious and cosmic origins of its black diamond, Maison KORLOFF casts its gaze on the world from above: the far-off universe, cupolas, domes, and city rooftops become visible when lifting off from earth. The jeweler introduced the Saint Petersbourg, Korlove, Eclat, Divine Nature, and Montmartre collections; the Opéra, Jardin des Tuileries, and So French watches also came to be.
Creation of the first KORLOFF fragrance in 2008. Since then, the house's fragrances, entirely composed and made in France, make up a unisex collection with juices at once fascinating and bewitching, housed in faceted bottles and caps reflecting the spirit of the diamond jeweler.
The 2020s have seen KORLOFF's renewal through a new brand platform and a new store concept, imbuing the house with an air of modernity without detracting from an identity that has been carefully faceted since the start.
Today, Maison KORLOFF is continuing to develop around the world as it wins over new regions and brand lovers. And the story goes on...