Our Story
about us
A Legacy of Gems, Trust & Tradition
Our family’s legacy, rooted in 1917 at Mumbai’s Zaveri Bazaar, embodies the pursuit of excellence in sourcing and trading real pearls, diamonds and gemstones across India and the Gulf. Guided by the pioneering spirit of Haji Vali Mohammed, who traveled the globe—from Venezuela to Hong Kong and Sri Lanka to Australia—our journey intertwines heritage with global connections. With deep ties across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Lebanon, we are committed to a philanthropic vision that fosters charitable trusts for the underprivileged. We proudly uphold our founding values of authenticity, craftsmanship and compassion, inspiring generations to come.
Our Mission
Our mission is to preserve and enhance a distinguished legacy in fine jewellery by offering ethically sourced and certified diamonds, pearls and gemstones. Each piece is meticulously crafted, reflecting our commitment to tradition and integrity. We are dedicated to providing timeless value to our customers, while upholding the philanthropic spirit that is central to our heritage.
Our Vision
Our goal is to establish ourselves as a globally trusted name in fine jewellery, distinguished by our commitment to authenticity, exceptional craftsmanship, and the cultivation of meaningful relationships with our customers. We also remain dedicated to giving back to the communities that have significantly contributed to our journey.
Our Origins.
And where
we want to go.
From a humble pearl trading venture in Zaveri Bazaar to global gemstone expeditions, our journey spans over a century. Led by visionaries like Haji Vali Mohammed, each milestone reflects a commitment to authenticity, craftsmanship, and trust. Here’s a glimpse into the legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Our Journey
1912–1917: Humble Beginnings
Our story begins in Gujarat, India, with the family’s traditional business in gold and silver purification. In 1912, the family relocated to Dakor, ensuring all children received an education while continuing the trade. By 1917, the family moved to Bombay (now Mumbai), where Haji Gani Qassim, together with his brother-in-law Abdullah, established a real-pearl trading enterprise in Zaveri Bazaar with modest capital support.
1920s: The Adventurous Next Generation
In 1920, Haji Vali Mohammed joined the family business, spearheading new ventures and expanding horizons. His pioneering pearl-sourcing trips took him to Aden and Massawa, where he commissioned dhows and collaborated with divers, bringing back treasures from the deep sea to Bombay.
1930s–1940s: Expansion and Innovation
Recognizing the potential of India’s major cities, Haji Usman and Haji Abubaker established pearl and gemstone trading offices in Delhi and Calcutta. In 1948, both brothers resettled in Karachi, launching Gem Jewellers and entering the gold-studded jewelry trade.
1947: Global Exploration
Driven by a quest for the finest pearls, Haji Vali travelled to the United States, partnering with Cosmic and exploring Venezuela to source pearls directly for the Indian market. He was constantly seeking better quality and fairer prices for his clientele.
1950s: Strengthening Global Ties
Haji Vali expanded sourcing networks, traveling to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and Burma (Myanmar) to acquire rough rubies and sapphires, which were finished in Jaipur and traded throughout the Gulf. His journeys also led him to Hong Kong and Japan between 1954–1960, where he built relationships to import cultured and BIVACO pearls and precious coral for the Indian market.
Sourcing from Australia and Beyond
He ventured to Australia for pearls and opal rough, sending opals for cutting in Jaipur and pearls for Mumbai’s growing jewelry sector.
Gulf and Mediterranean Connections
Haji Vali cultivated strong relationships with prominent buyers in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Lebanon. Notable among them were Sheik Ebrahim Al-Mehmood (Bahrain) and Edward Fattal (Lebanon). He also worked with buyers in Morocco, further expanding the family’s influence in the emerald market.
Trusted Partnerships in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi, relationships with trusted clients such as Jamil Khogeer (noted for his discerning eye for pearls) and the Farsi family (pioneering buyers of pearls, color stones, and diamonds) propelled new business avenues. Close collaboration with Jameel Farsi of Farsi Jewellery underscored the business’s reputation for quality and trust.
Philanthropic Spirit
Embodying a commitment to community upliftment, Haji Vali Mohammed and his brothers, Haji Usman and Haji Abubaker, established a charitable trust in Mumbai in 1953, providing shelter and support to the underprivileged. In 1982–83, another trust was founded in Anand, Gujarat, offering housing for the destitute. These institutions, driven by a spirit of compassion, continue to be nurtured by the family to this day.
A Legacy Continued
Anchored in authenticity, craftsmanship, global connections, and compassion, the traditions established by Haji Vali Mohammed and his brothers are lovingly upheld by succeeding generations, ensuring enduring excellence and a legacy that gives back.
