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Since 1869, A Legacy in Motion.
What began in 1869 as a small enterprise in Bengaluru has grown into a name synonymous with fine jewellery. Through royal patronage, master craftsmanship, and generations of trust, C. Krishniah Chetty continues to create jewellery that carries history forward with relevance and refinement.
What Started Almost 155 Years Ago...
Our story begins in 1869, when Cotha Krishniah Chetty, sensing the opportunities that existed, decided to start a small enterprise in Bangalore. It was indeed foresight on the part of our founder to establish a fine jewellery business in the heart of the then British Cantonment. This jewellery house would compete with the jewellers of London, collaborate with them and learn from their stringent standards.
Expanding on the vision of his father, Cotha Audinarayana Chetty forged alliances with 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 wrist watches, with the dial specially imprinted with the name of C. Krishniah Chetty Group. A component of the original stock is still held by the company to this day.
Commissions of the day included precious metal and gem-encrusted swords, infantry headgear, breast plates, 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.
Clients of the day spanned over 20 kingdoms. In addition to being appointed jewellers to the Royal House of His Highness, The Maharaja of Mysore, C. Krishniah Chetty Group counted among its distinguished patrons The Maharaja of Travancore, The Maharaja of Sandur, The Nawab of Savanur, The Nizam of Hyderabad, The Maharaja of Dhranghadra, The Maharaja of Gondal, the Maharaja of Dharampur, and many more Royal Houses.
Jeweller To The Young & Fashionable Of Today
The C. Krishniah Chetty Group’s Managing Director is a member of The World Diamond Council - a United Nations mandated body, headquartered in New York. In the past he has held other distinguished positions, including Chairmanship of the All-India Gems & Jewellery Trade Council, and member of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council. Dr. Vinod Hayagriv has also been involved in the Gems & Jewellery Sector Skills Council (Under NSDC). He holds the office of Vice President of the Local Jewellery Association.
Awards And Accolades
The Group has been felicitated with over 50 Awards - from Best Showroom Design, Best Employer in Retail, Best Marketing and Best Design and Lifetime Awards for the Top Management.
Corporate Sustainability & Projects
The C. Krishniah Chetty Group is committed to social responsibility that goes beyond cheque-book charity. The Group has adopted four Government Primary Schools, where it is closely involved in improving and managing the schools to secure a better future for disadvantaged children. In addition, the C. Krishniah Chetty Foundation provides educational support to needy students and extends medical assistance to the deserving.
Projects include scholarships for the girl child under the Hayagriv & Visala Scholarship Programme, in association with the Rotary Club of Bangalore.
Paul Harris Fellows contributions, through sponsorships by our Group Chairman & Managing Director, C. V. Hayagriv, amount to approximately USD 150,000 to Rotary International.