Colombo Jewellery Stores, creators of haute couture jewellery reveals the story of its past, present and future
Words: Tina Edward Gunawardhana
Celebrating a century of creating exquisite jewellery and promoting Sri Lankan gemstones around the world, Colombo Jewellery Stores is perhaps the only store to celebrate such a momentous landmark. Tracing its roots to the historic city of Galle, the Cassim family remains one of the few dynasties credited with creating fabulous jewellery throughout the last one hundred years. Colombo Jewellery Stores’ founder Thaha Cassim was inspired by his father a gem dealer in the Galle Fort to venture into the world and make it big. Thaha Cassim took wing to Colombo and opened his own store which was passed down to his son Mohammed Cassim who took the vision of Colombo Jewellery Stores on the next leg of its journey. Now at the helm is the dynamic Akram Cassim. A visionary jeweller who combines his passion of creating luxury jewellery with an ethos of giving back to the community via various CSR projects connected to the environment and wildlife, Akram reminisces on the epic journey of CJS which began on the 6th of February 1922 while he looks to the future with unbridled enthusiasm.
What inspired your grandfather to step into a career in jewellery 100 years ago?
My great-grandfather was a gem dealer living in and doing business in Galle Fort. His customers were the many overseas visitors who used to come by ship to Galle which was a very active port. My grandfather Thaha Cassim’s vision was to open a store of his dreams in Colombo. At the age of 23 my grandfather ventured out to Colombo and started a store at the corner of Queens Street adjoining the Clock Tower.
The Colombo Port had opened and it was a booming commercial city at that time. Grandfather’s vision then was to have a store that sells ‘Fabulous gems and fashionable jewellery and never compromise on quality’. He was helped by his family and friends to set up his store. They went on to become his greatest customers. Many generations later, their families still patronise the store.
