CJS highlights conservation; sparkle of Christmas in three stunning new collections

Oceanswell Founder Dr. Asha de Vos with CJS Chairman Akram Cassim unveiling the limited-edition orca pendants

 CJS opens The Jewel Loft featuring the works of emerging designers with Chevonne of Cher & Grace

International award-winning marine scientist Dr. Asha de Vos wears the limited-edition orca pendant

CJS Christmas collection – All I Want for Christmas – has stunning designs in diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies

The Christmas Wish collection adds sparkle to the gift giving season

• Oceanswell Founder Dr. Asha de Vos joins CJS to highlight “pandas of the sea” collection – the majestic orca
• The Leopard is a collaboration with WNPS to conserve Sri Lanka’s endemic leopard
• CJS unveils sparkles for the season with the “Christmas Wish” collection
• New pop-up space opens at CJS to feature emerging jewellery designers 

WNPS collaborates with CJS to highlight leopard conservation with 100 leopard pendants

The orca pendants are crafted with sterling silver set with blue sapphires

All proceeds of the sale of the leopard pendant will go towards the WNPS’ leopard conservation projects

Colombo Jewellery Stores (CJS) last week unveiled three spectacular collections for the Christmas season combining the stunning beauty of the orca and the majestic leopard together with the “Christmas Wish” collection, which showcased a magnificent gem-studded collection to add flair and style for the Christmas season. 

CJS also opened a new pop-up space – The Jewel Loft – on the fourth floor of the CJS Heritage Store to showcase designs by emerging jewellery designers.

Pandas of the sea and the leopard pendants feature two majestic beings from the sea and land – the orca and the leopard - who are threatened with extinction; the orca specifically is critically endangered. International award-winning marine biologist, NatGeo explorer and pioneer of blue whale research in the Northern Indian ocean, Oceanswell Founder Dr. Asha de Vos who has been collaborating with CJS on marine conservation efforts, joined CJS Chairman Akram Cassim to unveil the 50 limited edition orca pendants set with blue sapphires in handcrafted sterling silver. 

“Orcas live, hunt, and play in family groups, developing unique behaviours over time,” said de Vos at the exclusive preview held at the CJS Heritage Store at Alfred House Gardens. “In 1987, a Puget Sound Orca began the “Salmon Hat Trend”, wearing a salmon on her snout. Off British Columbia, families visit pebble-lined “rubbing beaches” annually, a pod near Iberia rams boats, and in South Africa, Port and Starboard hunt great white sharks for their livers. Why, we do not know, but it reminds us how much we have yet to learn about these fascinating “pandas of the sea”.

CJS Chairman Akram Cassim’s passion for wildlife conservation has not just been defined with some stunning collections over the decades, whether it was elephant, leopard, blue whale, dolphin or sperm whale, but he has also been actively contributing to numerous conservation efforts, working extensively with Oceanswell and the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS). 

“Sri Lanka is truly paradise given the mesmerising natural beauty we have in our fauna and flora. Unfortunately, that beauty is fast disappearing and as citizens of this country, we have a responsibility to lead positive change so that nature can be protected and conserved for future generations. These designer pieces are about being a part of that change,” he stated. Total proceeds of the 100 handcrafted sterling silver Leopard pendants plated in 18 karat gold will be gifted to WNPS to continue its efforts in conserving Sri Lanka’s endemic leopard. 

Adding a nostalgic, yet celebratory note in this time of gifting, CJS also unveiled All I Want for Christmas – the Christmas Wish collection featuring sparkling diamonds, lustrous sapphires, dazzling emeralds and vibrant rubies, adding a dash of effervescence and oomph to the Christmas season. 

The Jewel Loft by CJS is a new concept floor, designed to celebrate and elevate talent in jewellery design in Sri Lanka. Curated by Chevonne, this unique pop-up store concept is a platform for five young designers to express their artistry within individual spaces, allowing them to share their designs with a broader audience. “The Jewel Loft is more than just a showcase,” explains Cassim. “It’s a commitment to inspiring the future of jewellery design and supporting emerging artists as they share their unique vision for design with the world.”