Founder Oceanswell 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
CJS 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, Founder of Oceanswell Dr Asha
de Vos who has been collaborating with CJS on marine conservation efforts, joined Chairman of
CJS Akram Cassim to unveil the fifty limited edition Orca pendants set with blue sapphires in
handcrafted sterling silver.
emeralds, sapphires, rubies
“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.”
Grace
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 & Nature Protection Society
(WNPS).
conservation projects
“Sri Lanka is truly paradise given the mesmerizing 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.”
pendant
