Sunday Times 2
‘Hometown’: New CJS collection pays homage to it’s beginnings
The year was 1922 and the elegant, sartorial opulence of the era was perfectly captured within the historic glamour of one Dutch
fortress. Thaha Cassim believed in the beauty of the unconventional, which was perhaps why he founded Colombo Jewellery Stores (CJS) in the midst of Galle Fort. Nine decades later grandson Akram is making a trip down memory lane with his collection ‘Hometown’, homage to CJS’ beginnings in one of the country’s most iconic locations.
A marriage of lustrous pearls, sparkling diamonds and colourful precious stones personify the classic pieces, reminiscent of the historic allure of the capsule city within the Fort. “This Hometown collection is about reliving the life and times of this city that we at CJS call home,” said Akram at a swanky launch for Hometown at Paradise Road Galleries. The collection embodies its message with unique Beeralu lace inspired artwork, echoing the Fort’s ingenious architectural foundation, together with a veritable colour palette of Ceylon gems incarnating the 
city’s colourful history and characters.
Those at the launch were treated to a lively video interview with Akram and CJS Brand Ambassador and muse Jacqueline Fernandez, who was eloquent in her praise for the collection saying the design speaks of the cobblestone streets, centuries old buildings and collective of harmonious communities were all facets of the Galle Fort she grew up with and loves.
“When I look at this collection, I see the roots of the CJS family in each stunning piece, making it a legend in itself.”