Still sparkling

Why do so many jewellery firms have family names, one wonders. They do so to reflect generations of trust. Hemachandra Brothers established in 1938 is one such store that prides itself on a tradition of excellence and dependability.

The store that was refurbished last year boasts a variety of gold, white gold and diamond jewellery in both traditional and modern designs, their quality personally checked and certified by partner Indra Hemachandra. “We continue to serve our customers well…as my father did,” he says.

The present store is on the spot that the original store was set up 68 years ago by a master craftsman from Matara, the late A.B. Hemachandra. Having formerly supplied mainly bridal jewellery to customers that he would bring by cart across from Matara, he had already established a good clientele in Colombo. “Striving to provide the best possible service to his customers, he had his workshop shifted here,” Mr. Hemachandra says, recalling the early days.

When other members of the family retired from the long standing business, the reins of the company were taken on by the eldest son Indra, an engineer by profession and certified gemmologist and his wife Kumi Hemachandra.

Over the years, while striving to keep up with modern trends the business faced challenges as other businesses did – the price of gold escalating, the ethnic conflict, current traffic arrangements and many craftsmen leaving to the Middle East. “We do not compromise on quality of materials, good workmanship and perfect finish, that serve as hallmarks of all our jewellery,” Kumi Hemachandra says.

White gold and diamonds reflect the modern trends with their younger clientele preferring a combination of white and gold with either precious or semi precious stones, Mrs. Hemachandra observes. Designs have turned from chunky to light. For those seeking something modern, she presents the rainbow shaded Ceylon stone bracelet, earring and chain. Customers can also personalise their jewellery as designs are custom-made to suit individual requirements by their in-house designers.

The astrologically significant Navaratne takes pride of place at their showroom with various designs in rings and pendants. Representing the nine planets, a navaratne is said to benefit people wearing it. “It was the first item of jewellery ever made in the world five or 6000 years ago, not for adornment but for specific planetary influences and reserved for royalty,” Mr. Hemachandra states.