CJS adds lustre to Galle Fort Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

Intertwining nearly one hundred years of jewellery artistry into the centuries-old beauty of Galle, Colombo Jewellery Stores opened its ‘Hometown Store’ at the Galle Fort Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, which was ceremonially opened by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The CJS roots in Galle are legendary; it authors a lustrous romance with gems and jewellery which began in 1922 right in the heart of Galle Fort and which was also the inspiration for the CJS Hometown Collection launched last year. CJS at the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, Galle Fort therefore augments these historical roots even more, reliving the past glamour that was very symbolic of the Galle Fort with a touch of the contemporary that remains at the heart of the creative inspiration of CJS.

The Galle CJS Store will showcase the legendary CJS collections, as well as the unique workmanship of Swiss chronographs seen in one of the world’s more celebrated luxurious watch collections Tag Heuer. Creativity is further inspired within the precincts of this store, which ideally matches the sophistication of this modern shopping complex, entwining typical Portuguese and Dutch architecture of the 16th century that lies deep-rooted in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This 52 hectare citadel which enticed royalty, traders and travellers from around the world, entrancing them with the magic of spices and gems has, since that time, played an integral role in showcasing the exotic sparkle of precious and semi-precious gems found in this paradise isle. It is fitting therefore that the visionary creativity of CJS continues to add to this exoticism, imbuing impeccable artistry into this Dutch bastion that CJS calls home.
These fourth generation jewellers renowned for crafting extraordinary masterpieces are the raison d’etre that jewellery has today transformed into works of art.
As Chairman of CJS Akram Cassim mentioned at the opening of the Galle Fort, Dutch Hospital CJS Store on Saturday, “Having a store in one of the most architecturally beautiful and historical buildings in Galle is a sentimental journey for us. Given our roots right here in Galle and the great men who pioneered the art of gems and jewellery in Sri Lanka, my great grandfather, my grandfather Thaha Cassim and my father, this store is truly a tribute to that history that CJS has carved in Galle, over nearly a century.
“The restored architecture of this monumental building forms the ideal canvas for our signature CJS collections, all of which have been inspired and conceptualised with a story to tell. In fact, we have used the historical magnificence of Galle Fort as the backdrop for some of the CJS Collections, featuring award winning Bollywood film star and CJS Brand Ambassador Jacqueline Fernandez.”