Toral gems take some importance over decoration, and such evolutions shape today's environment for CKC Group teams, he said.

Competition has not been new to this company. Hence having lived 150 plus years, their inner strength has been the reason for their “always-current” relevance, said Dr C Vinod Hayagriv, Managing Director, C. Krishniah Chetty Group Of Jewellers in interaction with BW Applause and BW Everything Experiential.

Tell us about the successful journey of C Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewellers. 

C. Krishniah Chetty’s story begins in 1869, when Cotha Krishniah Chetty, migrated to the then British cantonment to set up gems, coloured beads, silversmithing and goldsmithing business. It was located in Narayan Pillai Street, a by-lane close to Commercial Street, known for housing skilled goldsmiths who had experience in the art of jewellery designing and making.  It was more an occupation than a business. 

In hindsight, it was a rare foresight on the part of the founder to establish a fine jewellery business in the heart of the then British cantonment. This jewellery house was destined to grow and would compete with the jewellers of London, and learn from their stringent standards.

Expanding on the vision of his father, with the relationships built with his mostly British clients, Cota Audinarayana Chetty imported European wares from Mappin&Webb of London and became an importer from the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company of London and Rolex of Switzerland who custom-made diamond-set gold wristwatches, with the dial specially imprinted with the name of C. Krishniah Chetty. The firm steadily grew to take part in the Paris Exposition in 1931.

What is the latest offer, or plan from C. Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewellers considering February 2022 was the founder's day month?

Today amongst the few that flourish, established in 1869, C. Krishniah Chetty celebrated their Founders Day and a hundred and fifty years of uninterrupted progress. Playing on their founding date, and their inimitable brand number, the jeweller celebrated the month with pomp and gaiety with gold, silver and diamond rates beginning at Rs 1869. 

Girdled with historic sagas and endowed with a rich legacy that will forever remain imperishable, celebrate the 153rd Founders' Day with Gold, Silver and Diamond rates starting at 5 per cent off on all website purchases. The establishment normally does not discount its fixed prices and will offer only declared price offs or designed programmes for its loyal clients. 

How has C Krishniah Chetty Group been able to preserve its heritage of Jewellery design, which started in 1869, but still changing with the demands of time?

The descendants of the royal families still have high taste in all things precious. The client base today includes business houses, who's who of the corporate world, members of the legal fraternity, educationists, administrative services, technologies, professionals of all types, consulars, titular heads, expatriates, land and real estate, temples, non-resident Indian families and almost everyone who prefers high-quality gems and Jewellery.

Crafting, design and concepts today reflect tech gadgets like diamond-studded iPhones, tablets, watches and more. Gem cutting styles have become more specialized with custom cuts. Toral gems take some importance over decoration, and such evolutions shape today's environment for CKC Group teams.

With a history of 150 plus years and as proud Bengalurueans, they are constantly working on new and exciting projects. Almost like making history repeat itself. The business has been a family operated business and has evolved with time. Not only does the business operate in a traditional brick and mortar way but also has an online presence.

How did C Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewellers deal with the Covid pandemic? How was it able to cater to its customers seamlessly?

Covid-19 has ensured that companies innovate in times of social distancing.  C.Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewellers has unveiled the concept of CKC’s Paper-Gold, on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya 2020. Under this programme, customers would book 22,000 gold in denominations from 5gm, 10gm, and 50gm up to 1000gm. Later these CKC’s Paper Gold bookings may be redeemed for the jewellery of the same or more weight within 11 months. Under this plan, a customer can avail of a lower booking rate or delivery date rate whichever is lower. 

Additionally, understanding the uncertain situation and helping customers; help in the slow-down of the economy, if the customer wishes to withdraw from the programme within 11 months, C Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewellers will refund the paid amounts at the then prevailing rates under their normal buyback policy. 

This plan of contactless purchase of CKC’s Paper-GoldTM is to serve our patrons through online bookings of gold. As an asset class gold has remained a steadfast unfailing asset.

The showrooms continue to adhere to strict sanitization guidelines as per the internal advisory that has been created with the help of many health specialists. Customers can rest assured that they are taking all necessary steps to keep as safe an environment as we can. Our detailed advisory was made in view of public interest. 

Considering the immense competition in the market, the pandemic and the market fluctuations, how does C Krishniah Chetty Group foresee the future in terms of demand and Jewellery prices?

Competition has not been new to this company. Hence having lived 150 plus years, their inner strength has been the reason for their “always-current” relevance. They do invest in modernisation, their long-serving teams along with young new employees with a diverse workforce of various educational backgrounds, well-qualified designers, diamond and gold experts and experienced manufacturing craftspersons keep them ahead of the curve.