Shine On, Coimbatore

An upcoming jewellery park, an all-new defence corridor, and the booming IT sector there is a lot going right for Coimbatore, finds Priyanka Talreja Garegrat

- Priyanka Talreja Garegrat

Coimbatore, also known as Kovai, is a bustling city located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. It is the second-largest city of the state, and one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Coimbatore is renowned for its flourishing textile and engineering industries, as well as its rich cultural heritage. However, one industry that often goes unnoticed is the thriving jewellery industry.

The jewellery industry in the city has a history dating back over a century. “My great-grandfather started his business here in 1911 as a small vendor, making and selling small items. Later, in 1925, my grandfather started a proper retail shop, which led us to where we are today,” says D. Murali, Kanakalakshmi Diamonds, Coimbatore. “During those days, money was paid in annas, and the gold was weighed in tolas. After a full day at work, my grandfather used to make 10 rupees, and that was great business for a day,” he says.

LUXURY IS “SOMETHING DIFFERENT”
For the Coimbatore customer, luxury jewellery is an innovation they have never seen before. To please these customers, many jewellers are trying high fusion. While some are trying to merge temple jewellery with Victorian jewellery others are experimenting with polki, jadau, antique and nakshi techniques.