CJS countdown to centenary celebrations

Bollywood star and Colombo Jewellery Stores’ (CJS) Brand Ambassador Jacqueline Fernandez flew into Sri Lanka to kickstart the countdown to CJS centenary celebrations.  She will showcase the legacy of the CJS 100 year collection to be unveiled in February.  CEO Akram Cassim’s favourite photographs featuring Jacqueline in the various campaigns over the years is featured on the Jacqueline Wall at the CJS Store.

Joining her at the countdown were founder of Odel and Embark, entrepreneur Otara Gunewardena and pioneer in blue whale research, marine biologist and founder of Oceanswell Dr Asha de Vos.  They were joined by Sri Lanka’s youngest global singing sensation Yohani. 

"It was my grandfather Thaha Cassim who was 23 at the time, who ventured into the metropolis of Colombo from his hometown of the Fort in Galle to open the store of his dreams, selling fabulous gems and fashionable jewellery with quality being central to everything he did,” says Akram. “From then on, CJS has been a part of every special moment in people’s lives, with the store being visited by royalty, business and political tycoons, the literati and the glitterati.”

Jacqueline called her return home after two years an emotional homecoming saying, “Throughout my 11 year relationship with CJS, I have travelled around the country, explored every facet and concept of different types of jewellery and been a part of the history being made.  And what makes CJS so special is it’s not just about jewellery but about giving back to society and empowering communities.”

It is this element of passion for a cause and empowerment that attracted both Otara and Asha into being a part of the CJS story. Otara mentioned that her association with CJS since 2009 brought forth nine collections including the limited edition Otara and Hoola collections, while inspired by whales and dolphins, Akram & Asha designed two collections for Oceanswell with the primary aim of continuing the research mooted by Asha.  “It is very heartening to have someone being absolutely committed to your cause,” said Asha of her partnership with CJS since 2018.

At the CJS 100 days to 100 years countdown - from L to R - Yohani, Dr Asha de Vos, Otara Gunewardena, Akram Cassim, Jacqueline Fernandez

Bollywood star and CJS Brand Ambassador Jacqueline Fernandez celebrates her Jacqueline Wall at the CJS Heritage Store

Managing Director CJS Akram Cassim and Founder of Oceanswell Dr Asha de Vos stand in front of the Jacqueline Wall at the CJS Heritage Store

Bollywood star & CJS Brand Ambassador Jacqueline Fernandez admires a CJS masterpiece at the CJS Heritage Store

CJS Brand Ambassador Jacqueline Fernandez and MD CJS Akram Cassim share a lighthearted moment at the 100 days to 100 years countdown.  Otara Gunewardena and Dr Asha de Vos join in

Founder of Odel and Embark and iconic entrepreneur Otara Gunewardena shows off a CJS design masterpiece

Founder of Oceanswell Dr Asha de Vos celebrating the CJS 100 days to 100 years countdown

Singer Yohani and Bollywood star and CJS Brand Ambassador Jacqueline Fernandez pose in front of the Jacqueline Wall with MD of CJS Akram Cassim

Bollywood star and CJS Brand Ambasssador Jacqueline Fernandez with Founder of Embark and Odel Otara Gunewardena at the CJS 100 days to 100 years Countdown