India has a rich tradition of jewellery making, with techniques and designs passed down through generations. Jewellery in India is more than just a symbol of wealth and status; it holds deep cultural, religious, and historical significance. Over centuries, jewellers across the country have mastered the art of crafting intricate and timeless pieces, many of which continue to be cherished and worn today.
Several legacy jewellers, with their origins rooted in the annals of history, continue to thrive in modern India. These businesses, many of them family-owned for generations, have maintained their reputation for quality and craftsmanship while adapting to contemporary trends. This blog post explores the illustrious histories of some of India’s most iconic legacy jewellers who remain in business today, each a custodian of India’s jewellery heritage.
1. Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri (TBZ)
- Established: 1864, Mumbai
- Founder: Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri
- Legacy: With a history spanning over 150 years, TBZ is one of the oldest jewellery brands in India. Established in Mumbai’s Zaveri Bazaar, TBZ quickly became synonymous with trust, purity, and master craftsmanship. Known for its extensive bridal collections, TBZ has retained its traditional values while incorporating modern design sensibilities. The brand is celebrated for its intricate gold, diamond, and gemstone jewellery, crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
- Modern-Day Expansion: TBZ has expanded its reach across India with several showrooms and continues to be a household name when it comes to bridal jewellery.
2. P.C. Chandra Jewellers
- Established: 1939, Kolkata
- Founder: Purna Chandra Chandra
- Legacy: P.C. Chandra Jewellers is one of the most iconic jewellers in Eastern India. Known for its unique blend of traditional and contemporary designs, the brand has a strong foothold in the Bengali community, where jewellery plays a central role in cultural and religious rituals. Their collections often reflect the intricate craftsmanship for which Bengal is renowned, especially in filigree and meenakari work.
- Modern-Day Appeal: Today, P.C. Chandra Jewellers operates multiple showrooms across India, offering gold, diamond, and precious stone jewellery that continues to resonate with both older and younger generations.
3. Tanishq
- Established: 1994, a division of the Tata Group
- Legacy: While Tanishq itself is a relatively new name compared to others on this list, it carries the legacy of the Tata Group, one of India’s oldest and most respected conglomerates. Tanishq revolutionized the Indian jewellery market by introducing standardized and certified purity in gold jewellery. It also bridged the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern design, appealing to the evolving tastes of contemporary Indian women.
- Modern-Day Growth: Tanishq now has a vast network of showrooms across India and is known for its ethical business practices and customer-centric approach. It is particularly famous for its wedding collections and trustworthiness in the market.
4. C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons
- Established: 1869, Bangalore
- Founder: Cotha Krishniah Chetty
- Legacy: A name that has been synonymous with luxury in Southern India for over 150 years, C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons is one of the finest purveyors of gold, diamonds, and precious stones. The brand rose to prominence when it was commissioned to supply jewellery to the British aristocracy during the colonial era. Known for its craftsmanship and quality, the brand has remained a favourite among the elite and continues to produce heirloom-worthy pieces.
- Modern-Day Success: The brand operates several state-of-the-art showrooms in Bangalore, showcasing traditional bridal jewellery, contemporary designs, and bespoke pieces for discerning clients.
5. Amrapali Jewels
- Established: 1978, Jaipur
- Founders: Rajesh Ajmera and Rajiv Arora
- Legacy: Inspired by India’s royal heritage, Amrapali Jewels has become a globally renowned name in luxury jewellery. Their pieces are a modern interpretation of India’s tribal and classical jewellery, with designs that echo the grandeur of Rajasthan’s palaces and forts. Amrapali has built a niche for itself in both the domestic and international markets, with its jewellery worn by celebrities and royalty alike.
- Modern-Day Fame: Amrapali has successfully combined traditional Indian aesthetics with contemporary trends, making it a favourite among fashion-forward clientele. The brand has boutiques in several major cities across India and abroad.
6. Ghanasingh Fine Jewels
- Established: 1908, Mumbai
- Founder: Ghanasingh Behramsha
- Legacy: For over a century, Ghanasingh Fine Jewels has been a symbol of luxury and bespoke jewellery in Mumbai. Known for their intricate craftsmanship and innovative designs, the jewellers specialize in diamonds, precious gemstones, and exclusive bridal collections. Each piece from Ghanasingh is handcrafted, catering to clients who seek unique and custom-made jewellery.
- Modern-Day Craftsmanship: Ghanasingh continues to offer timeless designs that marry tradition with innovation, serving a loyal client base across India and internationally.
7. Senco Gold & Diamonds
- Established: 1938, Kolkata
- Founder: Sankar Sen
- Legacy: Senco Gold & Diamonds is another legacy brand from Kolkata, specializing in traditional Bengali designs. Known for its exceptional craftsmanship, Senco is especially popular for its gold and diamond jewellery. It has managed to retain its traditional identity while expanding its product line to include contemporary pieces.
- Modern-Day Expansion: Senco now has over 100 showrooms across India and is expanding its presence internationally, maintaining a strong reputation for purity and quality.
8. Kalyan Jewellers
- Established: 1993, Kerala
- Founder: T.S. Kalyanaraman
- Legacy: Although younger than most other jewellers on this list, Kalyan Jewellers has deep roots in the gold trading business of Kerala. The brand has grown to become one of India’s largest and most trusted jewellery brands. Known for its expansive bridal collections and celebrity endorsements, Kalyan Jewellers is a household name in India.
- Modern-Day Success: With hundreds of showrooms across India and the Middle East, Kalyan Jewellers is a prominent player in the global jewellery market, offering traditional and modern designs for all occasions.
9. GRT Jewellers
- Established: 1964, Chennai
- Founder: G. Rajendran
- Legacy: GRT Jewellers is one of the most trusted names in South India, with a strong reputation for quality and customer service. They are especially known for their extensive bridal jewellery collections, which blend traditional designs with modern flair. GRT has consistently delivered quality products, earning the loyalty of customers for over five decades.
- Modern-Day Reach: With a significant presence across South India and growing international reach, GRT remains a go-to brand for jewellery lovers, particularly for special occasions such as weddings and festivals.
10. Joyalukkas
- Established: 1987, Kerala
- Founder: Joy Alukkas
- Legacy: Joyalukkas began as a family-owned business in Kerala and has since grown into a global jewellery empire. The brand offers an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary jewellery, catering to a wide variety of tastes. Known for its trustworthiness and extensive collection, Joyalukkas has earned a place among India’s top jewellers.
- Modern-Day Global Expansion: With over 160 showrooms across India, the Middle East, and Europe, Joyalukkas has become a significant player on the global stage, offering a broad range of jewellery styles to its diverse clientele.
Conclusion
The legacy jewellers of India are not just purveyors of precious metals and stones; they are custodians of a centuries-old craft that is deeply intertwined with India’s cultural and historical fabric. These jewellers have not only preserved the traditional craftsmanship but have also adapted to the changing preferences of modern customers. Their timeless creations continue to adorn generations, making them symbols of trust, heritage, and unparalleled craftsmanship. Whether you’re looking for traditional bridal pieces or contemporary designs, these legacy jewellers remain pillars of India’s jewellery industry and a testament to the country’s rich artistic heritage.
