Ganjam Nagappa and Sons, the name is synonymous with excellence.
This
renowned jewellery house creates unique traditional Carnatic jewellery
along with elegant contemporary styles. Originally, the makers
of traditional Kundan jewellery, Ganjam is now a household
name in Karnataka.
Ganjam has recently launched the first ever collection of platinum
jewellery. Platinum is the perfect metal to set precious stones,
especially diamonds, as it enhances the natural depth and brilliance
of the gem. In an interview with bangalorebest, Mr Umesh Ganjam,
Joint Managing Director of Ganjam Nagappa and Sons spoke
about their Platinum jewellery and the family
business.
"Platinum is a very unique metal suited best for diamonds. It is different
from other metals as it has a rare kind of sheen on the surface making
it compatible to diamonds. Very intricate and fine designs look best
in platinum. Being the rarest of metals, the combination of the two
makes even the customer feel rare and unique."
Ganjam has an exclusive collection of designs. "Every
piece of jewellery surface
has a unique finish. The placement of the diamonds are such that stone
and metal complement each other. Though use of any other precious
gem stone is not a bar, diamonds are preferred for contemporary designs.
We also specialize in the 'Benaras Cut' of Diamonds
popularly called as Rose Cut, and "Kaashi Vajra" which
is a blend of both the contemporary designs and the Rose Cut. India
and Japan are the only two countries in the world that
specialise in this."
What are the other gem stones used for this jewellery apart
from diamonds? "South Sea pearls, rubies, coloured diamonds,
which are a good contrast, are also used, apart from white diamonds."
Customers found the platinum collection to their liking.
"We got a very positive response from all our customers. This new
launch brought us many new customers and orders too! Special skilled
workers were hired for making this jewellery and training was also
given to our workers at Mumbai. Platinum is expensive
when compared to any other metal, costing about Rs 1000-1500
more than gold."
The range of jewellery available at Ganjam caters to different
tastes and budgets. "The exclusive Platinum collection has
a range of necklaces, pendants, rings and earrings crafted
in styles that are international. The prices begin at Rs 15,000
and can touch 2.5 lakh. People nowadays have
segmented their choice of jewellery from heavy to light. Of late,
people have been looking out for light weight jewellery with no compromise
in quality."
On how to buy a good piece of platinum jewellery… "
Very soon a Platinum Guild will be formed to put a purity
seal on jewellery. Right now, there is no
such authority to check malpractices in the business. A customer should
always look for the colour of the platinum jewellery,
which is always grayish white. If there is any change
in the colour, the customer should question the seller. One should
also look to see whether the jewellery is plated or see through.
If the price is reasonably more than gold,
then it is justified. Too great a difference in price is something
to be questioned. Any piece of platinum jewellery would not cost more
than 2.5 times that of gold. A customer or a lay man
should be aware of this."
Ganjam's celebrity customers include Ananth Nag, Vani Ganapathi,
Mrs Parvathamma Rajkumar. CEO's of well known
companies are their regular clients.
Ganjam, the golden family of Bangalore, is the pride of the
city. They continue to craft jewellery that incorporates the traditional
to meet the requirements of the contemporary.
It is this style, so uniquely Ganjam, that sets them apart.
Click here for a profile of Ganjam Nagappa and Sons
Click here for a 360° of Ganjam Nagappa and Sons
Photographs
and Text by Aditi Kumar
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