For over a century and a half, one name has been synonymous with pure and fine jewellery consistently reflecting quality, craftsmanship, elegance, innovation, richness, and trust – C. Krishniah Chetty. Known to customers in Bangalore, in erstwhile Carnatic, Deccan and Central India and to connoisseurs across the world, C. Krishniah Chetty as it is referred to is a destination of choice for those who wish to buy exclusive jewellery, whatever the occasion or the stature of the occasion. Over 20 Royalties, including one of the most revered ones, viz., the Wodeyars of Mysore and the Nizams of Hyderabad have been valued clients of C. Krishniah Chetty. Behind C. Krishniah Chetty’s stature, today is a glorious legacy that dates back to 1869 – over 150 years! Here’s a snapshot of the journey – the beginnings, the evolution, and the name that reflects an aura of everything pure, fine and exquisite in gold, silver, and diamond ornaments and artefacts.

Founded in 1869 by Cotha Krishniah Chetty, C. Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewellers is considered one of the world’s finest heritage jewellery brands. Like all great journeys across the world, this too began with passion but something very small – a bead. Cotha Krishniah Chetty started by selling coloured beads to British residents in Bengaluru’s cantonment area. Recognizing his earnestness and commitment, he was later commissioned to create designs inspired by Great Britain. With time, the British and Indian armies placed orders for infantry gear, swords, breastplates, and other accessories.

As the firm’s products began getting recognition for their quality, the Royal Houses began placing running orders for their palaces – turban ornaments, keys to monuments and buildings, mementoes, medals, and regalia with the symbol of His Highness, The Maharaja of Mysore. Other commissions of the day included life-size caskets depicting the geography and customs of the client (mostly royal houses of South and Central India), life-size perambulators, thrones, awards for gallantry and contributions to the kingdom, precious metal doors, and more.

The firm’s royal clients included The Maharaja of Sandur, The Maharaja of Travancore, The Nizam of Hyderabad, The Nawab of Savanur, The Maharaja of Dhranghdhra, and 20 other erstwhile kingdoms. Over the decades, the operation perfected the art of satisfying discreet and discerning clientele from across the region, delivering innovative and exquisite designs with craftsmanship benchmarked to the most exacting standards.

Expanding on the vision of his father, Cotha Audinarayana Chetty further grew the business forging robust alliances with Mappin & Webb London. Subsequently, the company began to import from The Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company of London and Rolex of Switzerland. In fact, wristwatches with diamond-set gold were custom-made with a dial specially imprinted with the name of C. Krishniah Chetty. A component of the original stock is still held by the company to this day.

Today C. Krishniah Chetty Group is one of the most trusted family jewellers of thousands of elite and discerning families who rely on the company’s expertise and insights to make their purchases, whatever the occasion. The 5 magnificent showrooms and boutiques offer a huge collection of jewellery spanning various genres – Heritage, Religious, Wedding, Traditional, Classic, and Period and also craft Limited Edition jewellery. The offering includes Silverware, Accessories, Corporate Giftware, Silver Jewellery, Repairs, and Custom Designing & Crafting Services. 

The enterprise is well-managed, driven by a passion and responsibility for nothing but the best and of being revered as a highly respected jeweller, consistently meeting the quality and design standards expected by clients. In the process, C. Krishniah Chetty continues to forge relationships that are strengthened across generations, guided by the brand principles, ‘Ethics as strong as Diamonds’ and ‘Relationships as strong as Diamonds, as it contributes to some of the most joyous and memorable moments in the lives of those who vouch for the name that’s today synonymous with exquisite jewellery.