OUR STORY

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025, Yafa is widely recognized as the world’s leading purveyor of museum-quality signed vintage jewelry.

 

Founded by Yafa Moradof and her son, Maurice, Yafa began as a New York-based wholesaler, supplying the world’s most prestigious retailers with what later became its hallmark—exceptional signed jewelry. Over time, Yafa’s reputation grew to the point where even the maisons themselves turned to Yafa to source pieces for estate collections and in-house archives. As demand from private collectors and discerning clients increased, Yafa naturally expanded into retail, offering direct access to rare and important jewels.

 

Today, Yafa operates with a global reach, sourcing exceptional pieces through its extensive network. The company has the largest cutting facility in the United Arab Emirates and an office in Johannesburg, South Africa dedicated to sourcing large, rough diamonds, further strengthening its position as a premier resource for rare and significant stones.

 

Yafa has cultivated relationships with some of the world’s most sophisticated collectors, who rely on the team’s expertise to curate and expand their collections. Specializing in signed pieces from the 1930s to 1980s, including works by Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Harry Winston, Yafa is known for its extensive collection, offering something for every collector’s taste.

 

Led by Maurice Moradof and his son, Tyler, Yafa remains guided by the same family values that shaped the business from the start. With a commitment to expertise, honesty, and transparency in both buying and selling, Yafa has established a reputation built on trust and integrity.

 

The company’s flagship retail location in Palm Beach and private showroom in New York serve as exclusive destinations for both private clients and institutional buyers. With more locations on the horizon, Yafa’s growing presence continues to provide unparalleled access to its museum-quality collection.

Co-Founder and CEO, Yafa Signed Jewels

Maurice Moradof

Maurice Moradof, co-founder and CEO of Yafa Signed Jewels, leads the company with a dedication to excellence and an eye for timeless beauty.

Established in 1985 with his mother, Yafa, the brand is globally recognized as the foremost purveyor of museum-quality vintage jewelry. Maurice's devotion to the craft is evident in every carefully selected piece, each embodying meticulous craftsmanship and elegance, making them perfect examples of what he calls "wearable art.”

Maurice's journey started with an interest in appraising fine jewelry to truly understand each piece’s historical context and worth. But it wasn’t until he partnered with his mother, Yafa, that the two together decided to focus on the vintage jewelry market and Yafa Signed Jewels was born. Building trusted relationships with international collectors and connoisseurs for over nearly four decades, clients who value personalized service and discretion rely on Maurice to enhance their collections with pieces from renowned jewelry houses such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, and Harry Winston, amongst
others.

Today Maurice is joined in the business by his son Tyler, whose passion and dedication promise a bright future for Yafa Signed Jewels. Together, they uphold the traditions and values that have defined the brand for decades, while embracing modern innovations to remain relevant in a dynamic market. Their personalized service ensures that every client feels valued, reflecting the brand's dedication to offering not just jewelry, but an exceptional experience.

Principal, Yafa Signed Jewels

Tyler Moradof

Fueled by a lifelong appreciation for highly sought-after pieces, Tyler Moradof brings a distinctive fusion of vision and strategy to Yafa Signed Jewels, the world’s leading purveyor of museum-quality vintage jewelry.

Tyler’s journey in the industry began at an early age alongside his father, Yafa CEO Maurice Moradof. At just five years old, he accompanied Maurice to his first auction, where Maurice let Tyler raise his paddle for an important piece on which he was bidding.  In that moment, Tyler became the auction house’s youngest successful bidder ever, sparking a deep-seated passion that would carry into adulthood.

Tyler is committed to honoring the brand's rich family heritage while spearheading innovative approaches to meet the ever-changing needs of the market. Collaborating closely with his father, Tyler cultivates a culture of innovation, integrity, and customer focus.

Together, they are forging the future of vintage signed jewelry, merging tradition and modernity to deliver unmatched value and service to Yafa's discerning international clientele.

EST. 1985
OUR TIMELINE
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