©Fine Jewellery
There are many things in life that bring a sense of delight upon encounter. Jewellery without doubt is one of them. Always loved and never out of style. These are the characteristics displayed in the exquisite pieces crafted by the Fine Jewellery Company (FJC).
Words Jennifer Paldano Gunewardena | Photography Menaka Aravinda
The earrings, rings, pendants and bracelets delicately crafted by Fine Jewellery Company embody the beauty of the Ceylon Sapphire faceted in outlines of halo, square, pear and various other shapes; encrusted with diamonds that are set in gold, silver and platinum. The sophistication in every piece of jewellery bequeaths timeless elegance and vintage class. FJC’s artistic heritage draws from a 4th generation family business that has specialised in sourcing, cutting and polishing Sapphires. FJC is a subsidiary of Precision Lapidaries and Natural Sapphires Ceylon, internationally renowned suppliers of precision-cut calibrated and large Ceylon Sapphires; and is the brainchild of Nabeel and Faiq Salie.
“We are amongst the leading suppliers of Ceylon Sapphires to the world, which have featured in international jewellery brands such as Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston and Graff. Three years ago we decided to embark on manufacturing and designing jewellery under a brand of our own”, said Nabeel Salie.
The exclusively crafted jewellery at FJC is best described as detailed, functional and elegant. The Blue Sapphire, the perennially perfect “Oriental Emerald” of Sri Lanka, that was made popular by Diana, the Princess of Wales with her unique engagement ring, features a 12 carat Ceylon Sapphire. FJC’s take on that iconic ring is a vision of beauty, and inspired the creation of matching earrings, bracelet and pendant. This ensemble belongs to the exclusive Natural Sapphire Blue collection by FJC. It is an eclectic selection of high-end pieces of jewellery made with Certified Royal Blue Ceylon Sapphire set with diamonds. The collection draws from the free-flowing art forms of the glorious 20s and 30s, dainty with emphasis on minute and subtle details. The selection of the best materials and attention to detail is the norm at FJC. Each piece of jewellery they create, pays attention to areas often unseen like the underneath of a ring or the back of an earring, usually finished with a tiny Sapphire.
Another new collection to be launched draws from antique Ceylonese jewellery. Inspired by the meticulous workmanship and the designs born out of the Kandyan Kingdom, FJC has recreated an intricate 250-year-old layered choker necklace that showcases the exceptional skills of local artisans from a bygone era. These antique pieces were made entirely by hand without modern equipment,which even with new technology was a challenge to recreate.
FJC also specialises in making customised diamond engagement rings, particularly in classic vintage settings, for which it has gained a large following within a short space of time. FJC also launched a chic collection under the brand FJC Blue, sold exclusively on-board SriLankan Airlines and Malindo Airlines.
FJC was selected in 2016 by the Ms Tourism Sri Lanka International pageant organisers to create the tiara for its winner. It was not to be any ordinary silver tiara. It had to be an expression of Sri Lankan art and culture. Research of local art ensued and the ultimate result is beautifully displayed in the placid and modern interior of the FJC jewellery studio. The crown embodies traditional Sri Lankan motifs found in temple art that include the Hansa Puttuwa (entwined swans) floral motifs like the Annasi Mala (Pineapple flower), Sina Mala (Flower spray) and the Kadu-pul (Epiphyllum flower), which have been interlaced and incorporated with Ceylon Blue Sapphires, Rubies and Blue Topaz to create a beautifully unique piece of Sri Lankan identity. Improving and evolving is a permanent metaphor at FJC and examining market trends outside Sri Lanka is one of them.Thus, the upcoming Jade collection, the preferred stone of the Chinese, has been masterfully fused with Ceylon Sapphires and set in unique creations.
FJC is housed in a state of the art facility in the heart of Colombo and comprises of a gem lapidary, lagship boutique, jewellery design studio and a manufacturing house all under one roof. “As we have the entire process in one place, it allows our clients to be a part of every stage: from designing, to gemstone selection, to crafting a unique piece of personalised jewellery. The FJC designers are able to create pieces with exactness, even with the most whimsical of client designs. They also create fresh and unique ideas depending on what is required.
24 Rotunda Garden, Colombo 3
(+94 11) 2 56 5100
info@fjcdesign.com
www.fjcdesign.com
