“Jewellery in their blood”
By Mary Brittain
Danabhai Arjan & Sons is the great-grand daddy of Green Street, east London. The very first jewellery shop to open there over thirty years ago, it enjoys a fine heritage and a reputation that stretches far beyond Forest Gate.
Brothers Chhotubhai Arjan and Suresh Dhanak’s long careers in jewellery began when they were around ten and eleven years old and were first allowed into their father’s shop in Mombasa, Kenya to practice some of the traditional jewellery making skills for which their family was already famous.
Both boys went on to undertake formal jewellery training – with Suresh achieving a diploma in engraving from the prestigious Rajkot College in Gujarat, India – before taking the momentous decision to leave Kenya for a life in the United Kingdom.
“Jewellery is in our blood. Our father and our father’s father were in this industry and now the next generation is getting involved as well. This is a real family concern and I believe that our customers, some of whom have been coming to us for three generations, really appreciate the personal, individual and truly expert service that this brings,” says Chottubhai Arjan.
When the brothers first opened for business in 1975 all the jewellery that was sold was made in a workshop at the back of the shop. Both became highly skilled craftspeople and whilst it is some years since either sat down at a jeweller’s bench, they believe their innate understanding of the processes involved gives them a real edge when instructing their suppliers as to what they require. These are men who know real quality workmanship when they see it and will settle for nothing less.
Whilst the workshops remain behind the shop to do alterations and repairs, the huge array of traditional bridal jewellery on show is now made abroad. The lion’s share comes from loyal suppliers, of some twenty years standing, in India, although they do also buy from Singapore and Malaysia.
The shop itself is one of the largest on Green Street. It is light and spacious, with an elegant granite floor and a comfortable seating area in its centre. The walls, as you would expect, are positively lined with gold. There are nine separate counters and wall-mounted display cases dedicated to matching suites of 22ct gold bridal necklace and earring suites alone. To say nothing of further cases displaying the rest of their diverse stock. At least a hundred different bridal designs are always on show at any one time, with further options kept behind the scenes.
Nor does the choice end there. Danabhai Arjan provides every type of accessory for the bride-to-be from bracelets and bangles through to ‘tikka’ (forehead decorations), ‘poncha’ (gold, one finger, hand decorations), as well as decorative pieces for wear on the sari belt and ‘kans’ or ear gems. Whilst most ranges are produced purely in 22ct gold, the company also offers a strong selection of ‘Antique’ look designs incorporating gemstones and enamel details to give a highly decorative and slightly more contemporary look to the jewellery.
Jewellery to your own design
One of the key services which Danabhai Arjan & Sons provides is its bespoke wedding jewellery service. Suresh is an excellent jewellery designer and draftsman who can alter and adapt existing lines to each customer’s own preference. For those who want something truly unique all they need do is explain it to him and he will produce a highly detailed photographic image ready for their approval before sending it on to the production team in India. Whilst all the jewellery on display is available immediately from stock, these bespoke designs take around four weeks from conception to creation.
Whilst Danabhai Arjan has collected more than its fair share of plaudits over the years it is not a business to rest on its laurels and is constantly moving forward. Anand Arjan, Chottubhia’s son, who is trained in Diamond Grading by the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A), is the next generation to become involved and his skill and knowledge of diamond and gemstones has added to a new dimension to the company.
Far from offering simply 22ct gold, Danabhai Arjan’s range now includes white gold, platinum and palladium, the latter of which is becoming an increasingly popular choice amongst their customers for men’s wedding rings. There is also an eye-catching collection of diamond jewellery, especially diamond rings of which they have a particularly diverse collection and which thanks to Anand’s knowledge is quality guaranteed.
For those looking for plenty of style and sparkle at an affordable price, Danabhai Arjan has a white gold range set with cubic zirconium. This is both fashionable and fun and is proving a huge success with customers of all ages.
If it’s watches you’re looking for, here too Danabhai Arjan & Sons can help. The shop is proud to be an agent for both Rado and Citizen watches and offers a wide selection of contemporary and more traditional watches for both men and women.
Danabhai Arjan & Sons have been key players in the Green Street Jewellers’ Association since its inception and have worked hard over the years to promote the Street as a bridal shopping destination. To celebrate the Association’s participation in London Jewellery week 2010 the team has created some stunning new designs which will go on display at The Berkley Hotel during LJW together with the work of other Green Street Jewellers.
These include a sophisticated, platinum and diamond necklace and earring suite incorporating a fashionable interlocking circle motif and a long, statement necklace in black onyx, with emeralds and diamonds. The craftsmanship in both pieces typifies the care and attention that Chottubhai and Suresh pay to all aspects of their business.
“Our shop gives us huge job satisfaction and we are keen to pass on our passion for fine jewellery to our customers. We believe that this is what keeps them and their children coming back for more,” says Chottubhai.
For find out more about Danabhai Arjan & Sons visit:
210-212 Green Street, London, E7 8LE
T: 020 8552 5965