UAE based DAMAC Group acquires luxury Swiss jewellery brand, de GRISOGONO

Dubai’s DAMAC Group has purchased the celebrated Swiss jewellery brand, de GRISOGONO. The brand, which filed for bankruptcy in early 2020, was identified by Hussain Sajwani, Founder and Chairman of the DAMAC Group, who became the top bidder amongst several others bidding for the acquisition.

Most known for its ‘Creation I’ necklace, which featured the largest D flawless diamond in the world and fetched a staggering $33.7 million at an auction in 2017, de GRISOGONO is a name synonymous with glamour. The jeweller has adorned many celebrities on the red carpet including Hollywood actress Natalie Portman and supermodel Naomi Campbell.

“Keeping in line with our ambitions to expand our business into the luxury and high-end fashion realm, bidding for de GRISOGONO came to us naturally. A relatively young, but established brand it has immense potential that needs to be uncovered and leveraged. I believe that with DAMAC’s expertise and know-how, we will be able to bring the brand to a justifiable success, by strengthening its global development and network,” says Sajwani.

A Luxurious Undertaking

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, de GRISOGONO, was established in 1993 by Fawaz Gruosi. Over the past 30 years, the brand earned a reputation with its signature use of black diamonds.

Shortly after acquiring the Swiss brand, the DAMAC Group announced the launch of a twin project featuring a design inspired by the well-known ‘Creation I’ design. Defining ‘The Nature of Luxury’, the project will bring to life the masterpiece that was created by founder, Grousi.

Safa One by de GRISOGONO will feature exclusive attractions such as cascading waterfalls, hanging gardens, and a manmade beach on the podium level, as well as tropical features spread across the length and breadth of the towers. The interiors will resonate with de GRISOGONO’s signature style and the essence of emerald across private and public spaces, all adding to the brand’s ubiquitous luxury factor.

The project will feature two towers featuring luxury, as well as the ‘Prestige Collection’ super-luxury floors.

Paving a Plan for the Future

The DAMAC Group has been taking interest in expanding its portfolio by adding distressed luxury assets, to turn them over into profit-making investments. The acquisition comes closely after the Dubai-based billionaire purchased Italian fashion house, Roberto Cavalli, in Q4 2019, and most recently won the $120 million bid to acquire land in the upscale Miami neighbourhood of Surfside where the developer plans an ultra-luxurious CAVALLI branded condominium project.

These acquisitions are part of the Group’s vision to extend its global footprints across sectors and geographies. Currently, the brand portfolio covers high-end fashion, luxury real estate, hospitality, and data centres among more, with a presence in North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.