For more than 157 years, C. Krishniah Chetty Group has occupied a distinctive place in India's luxury jewellery landscape. Founded in 1869 by Cotha Krishniah Chetty in Bengaluru's then British Cantonment, what began as a modest enterprise specialising in gems, silversmithing and goldsmithing has evolved into one of the country's most respected heritage jewellery houses. Built on a foundation of craftsmanship, trust and enduring relationships, the brand has remained closely associated with fine jewellery while continually adapting to changing consumer aspirations.
The company's history is intertwined with some of India's most significant royal and cultural legacies. Appointed Jeweller to the Mysore Royal Court in the early twentieth century, C. Krishniah Chetty went on to serve several royal households across the country and earned recognition for its craftsmanship at international expositions in Delhi and Paris. Through successive generations, the company has expanded its presence while preserving its heritage, most recently documenting its journey through the Crystal Museum Salon, which showcases archival collections, royal commissions and the evolution of the brand over more than a century and a half.
Today, C. Krishniah Chetty Group continues to balance tradition with innovation. Alongside its retail presence, the company has embraced digital engagement, contemporary design and experiential customer initiatives that reflect the changing definition of luxury. Among these is its signature 'Travel the World' programme, an initiative that seeks to complement milestone jewellery purchases with curated travel experiences. In this conversation, Chaitanya V. Cotha, Executive Director, discusses the brand's enduring philosophy, the evolution of luxury retail, and why creating memorable experiences has become an integral part of customer engagement.
Q. C. Krishniah Chetty Group has remained relevant for more than 157 years. What has enabled the brand to evolve while preserving its heritage?
Chaitanya V. Cotha: The answer lies in our ability to respect tradition while remaining open to change. Every generation has inherited not just a business, but also a responsibility to preserve the values established by our founders. Trust, craftsmanship and long-term relationships have always been central to our identity, and those principles continue to guide every decision we make today.
At the same time, we have never viewed heritage as something that should remain static. Whether it was serving royal households, participating in international exhibitions, embracing modern retail formats or investing in new customer experiences, we have consistently evolved alongside our customers. We believe heritage becomes meaningful only when it remains relevant, and that philosophy has helped us continue our journey for more than a century and a half.
Q. Luxury is increasingly being defined by experiences rather than ownership alone. How do you see this shift?
Chaitanya V. Cotha: Luxury has always been about emotion. Jewellery marks some of life's most meaningful occasions, whether it is a wedding, an anniversary, a personal achievement or a family celebration. While exceptional craftsmanship remains fundamental, today's customers also seek experiences that enrich those milestones and create memories that endure.
Consumers today are well informed and globally exposed. They appreciate authenticity, personalisation and meaningful engagement. As a heritage luxury brand, we believe our relationship with customers should extend beyond the point of purchase. Experiences create a deeper emotional connection, and that is becoming an increasingly important part of luxury retail.
Q. Is this philosophy what inspired the 'Travel the World' initiative?
Chaitanya V. Cotha: Yes. 'Travel the World' was created from the belief that jewellery is more than a product. It represents moments that people remember throughout their lives. We wanted to celebrate those milestones in a way that extended beyond the jewellery itself.
The initiative reflects our desire to offer experiences that customers may not ordinarily plan for themselves. Over the years, we have curated journeys that combine culture, history, nature and luxury, allowing our patrons to create memories that become part of the story behind their jewellery purchase. It is our way of expressing appreciation for customers who have placed their trust in the brand over generations.
Q. The latest edition takes customers to Paris. What makes this destination special for the programme?
Chaitanya V. Cotha: Paris has long been regarded as one of the world's great centres of art, fashion and luxury. It embodies craftsmanship, creativity and cultural heritage, values that resonate strongly with our own philosophy as a jewellery house.
The Paris edition continues the vision behind the programme. Customers purchasing jewellery worth ₹15 lakh and ₹50 lakh or more during the campaign period become eligible for a lucky draw, through which twelve couples will be selected for a curated luxury experience. The objective is not simply to organise a holiday, but to create a memorable journey that complements a milestone purchase and celebrates an important chapter in our customers' lives.
Q. The 'Travel the World' initiative has previously included destinations such as Uganda and Egypt. How do you curate these experiences?
Chaitanya V. Cotha: Every edition of the programme begins with a simple question. What kind of experience will remain meaningful long after the journey has ended? We are not looking at destinations purely from a tourism perspective. We look for places that offer history, culture, exclusivity and a sense of discovery.
Over the years, our patrons have experienced luxury train journeys, private retreats, select cruises, gorilla tracking in Uganda and curated visits to the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Each itinerary is carefully planned to offer something distinctive while reflecting the spirit of exploration that defines the programme. The objective is to create experiences that become cherished memories for our customers and their families.
Q. Experiential luxury has gained momentum globally. How do you see this trend evolving in India?
Chaitanya V. Cotha: Indian luxury consumers are becoming increasingly well travelled and globally connected. They value authenticity and appreciate experiences that are thoughtfully designed and personally meaningful. While the appreciation for fine jewellery remains timeless, many customers today also seek brands that understand their lifestyle and aspirations.
We believe this shift will continue to shape the luxury industry in India. Experiences have the ability to create stronger emotional connections than transactions alone. They encourage lasting relationships and make every milestone purchase even more memorable. For heritage brands like ours, this represents a natural extension of our commitment to customer engagement.
Q. Personal relationships have always been associated with luxury retail. How does C. Krishniah Chetty Group continue to maintain that personal touch?
Chaitanya V. Cotha: Luxury has always been built on relationships. Every customer has a unique story, and understanding that journey is just as important as understanding the jewellery they are looking for. Our teams spend time listening, advising and helping customers make informed decisions that often become part of important family milestones.
That philosophy extends beyond the showroom. Whether it is through bespoke jewellery, personalised consultations or initiatives such as Travel the World, we strive to ensure that every interaction reflects the trust customers have placed in our brand over generations. We believe those relationships are among our greatest strengths.
Q. Bengaluru has been home to C. Krishniah Chetty Group since its inception. How has the city influenced the brand's identity?
Chaitanya V. Cotha: Bengaluru has always been an integral part of our story. The company was established here in 1869, and the city has evolved alongside us over the past century and a half. From its royal heritage to its cosmopolitan outlook today, Bengaluru has continually inspired us to preserve tradition while embracing innovation.
Our association with the city is reflected not only in our business but also in our efforts to preserve history through the Crystal Museum Salon and support initiatives that contribute to the community. We see ourselves as custodians of a legacy that is closely connected with Bengaluru's own journey.
Q. Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of the C. Krishniah Chetty Group?
Chaitanya V. Cotha: Our vision is to continue building on the foundation established by our predecessors while preparing the brand for future generations. We will continue to invest in craftsmanship, design innovation and customer experience, while embracing new ideas that enhance the way people engage with luxury.
At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to preserving the values that have guided the C. Krishniah Chetty Group since 1869. We believe the future of luxury will be defined by authenticity, trust and meaningful experiences. As consumer expectations evolve, we will continue to innovate while remaining true to the heritage that has shaped our identity for more than 157 years.
