About Us

A legacy of fine jewellery – The house of C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons TM is one of the world’s finest jewellery Heritage businesses that have chronicled its 140 years heritage from being a jeweller to the British Empire, the Maharajas in South India and today a preferred partner to world leaders in fashion design jewellery.

The company’s inception dates back to the 1860’s when Cotha Krishniah Chetty, the founder of C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons TM, started by selling coloured beads to Britishers, who took a fancy for beads which were in vogue in Europe. His first conquest was the purchase of the prime location, where the company’s showroom is at present. The street even then was Bangalore’s prime up market shopping stretch. The founder & his son Cotha Audinarayana Chetty made a great name for themselves. The British army & royalty being their main clients demanded a very high level of competence & expertise in craftsmanship, Diamonds, Gold & Silver. They started making trophies, medals, shields and even large caskets for the British Army.

C Krishniah Chetty’s work found patronage in the royal families of Mysore, Hyderabad and Travancore and they soon became his discerning clientele. Their work was also most talked about in the British Empire in India. In 1900s, C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons TM & work was recognised by the Maharaja of Mysore, Sri Krishnarajendra Wodeyar, appointing C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons TM as the official jewellers to the palace. The acclaimed “Ganda Bherunda” or the Double Headed Eagle was the court symbol of His Highness, The Maharaja of Mysore and hence was crafted into hundreds of pendants in 22Kt gold with diamonds, rubies & emeralds. These were given to eminent citizens for their contribution to the State. The symbol is now the official seal of the state of Karnataka. The royal patronage continued during Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar’s reign. The years 1910 to 1947 is often referred to as the golden era of C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons TM.

Some of the pieces crafted on an exclusive basis have been:

• Solid silver “Key” to the city of Bangalore given as mementos to high-ranking dignitaries from across the globe.
• Handsome trowels in solid silver with rosewood handles for laying foundations by important people for important landmark buildings.
• Army casket trophies of immense dimensions depicting the event & geography of the location.
• Sachin Tendulkar’s memento crafted for a private client to mark his landmark century in Gold & Diamonds.
• Several signature jeweller collections for the royal families of South & Central India.

Their legacy continues in India till today – Cotha Audinarayana Chetty’s son Cotha Venkatachalapathy Chetty along with his father & grandfather continued the business, which was then taken over by his two sons, C. V. Hayagriv & C. V. Narayan. In 1969, the company celebrated its centenary with a glitzy fashion show at the famous Glass House at Lalbagh, Bangalore.

Today, the Company managed & run by the Directors who are the direct descendants of the founder, operates a large workforce. Strict control ensures that all the jewellery coming out of C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons TM bears the quality standards set & evolved over 140 years.

The company has moved from strength to strength, grew more experienced in the singular trade of gold, silver, precious stones & diamonds brought together in stunning ensembles, entrancing the eye, wrought by the craftsman with love & devotion.

The rise of C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons TM & the endurance of its reputation for 140 years is not only by mastering the art of crafting precious metals & gems into breathtaking designs, but also because they treat their customers like royalty. C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons TM continues its quest for appreciation from their valued customers – keeping the devotion to craftsmanship intact in every piece they make.