Draft:Malani Jewelers

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User:Remy Goode/Malani Jewelers

Official Malani Logo
Official Malani Logo
Business Name Malani Jewelers, Inc.
Type Corporation
Industry Retail
Founded 1897 (123 years ago)
Founder Jinnah Hasham Malani
Headquarters 739 Dekalb Industrial Way Ste 2100

Decatur, GA 30033

Area served Worldwide
Key people Iqbal Malani (CEO)

Shermyn Malani (CFO)

Slogan “Where Service and Trust is a Tradition.”
Website MalaniJewelers.com

Malani Jewelers is an international luxury jewelry enterprise and specialty retailer headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.[1]. It sells traditional Indian and contemporary jewelry in 18K & 22K Gold, diamonds, sterling silver, and gemstones[2]. Malani is widely known for its variety of high-quality and often rare pieces. From 22K Gold bridal sets, handcrafted diamond jewelry (including engagement rings) to more modern Indo-Western designs, Malani has quickly become one of the largest online jewelry retailers in North America[3]. These goods can also be purchased in-store at their many retail locations.

Before being a pioneer of retail and e-commerce in their industry, the Malani corporation initially operated various businesses. It was founded in 1897 by Jinnah Hasham Malani and owned and operated by the family directly for over five generations[4]. During the late 20th century, it became internationally recognized as a luxury jeweler under the business direction of Malani’s great-grandson, Iqbal Malani, who currently serves as CEO[5].

Since its opening over 100 years ago, Malani has been operating businesses globally and has manufacturers in countries such as Canada, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, Pakistan, India, the United States, and various parts of Africa[5].

History[edit]

Establishment[edit]

Founder, Hassam Jinnah Malani, c. 1897

While under British rule, Malani was established in Kathiawar, Gujarat in 1897 by Jinnah Hasham Malani[4]. However, years later, Malani along with his wife and ten children, relocated to Calcutta (Kolkata), India. There, the family expanded business operations throughout India and various parts of Africa[5].

Calcutta Riots[edit]

On 16 August 1946, violence erupted across the Indian Subcontinent, as numerous Muslims protested the British's conditions to initiate the transfer of power from Colonial rule back to the Indian people[6]. There was concern that this proposal would purposefully destabilize the nation and create discord among religious groups. These protests would also be known as Direct Action Day and the Calcutta Killings due to catastrophic events.

The ensuing violence further deteriorated Hindu-Muslim relations, which were already at a historical low at the time. During the protests, businesses, homes, and public buildings crumbled- vandalized and reduced to rubble[7]. Ultimately, the Malani storefronts burned down and the rest of the carnage. Consequently, the family relocated again to Hyderabad, India, in 1942 to escape with their lives[8].

Calcutta Riots 1946

While challenging, fortunately, the family business thrived in Hyderabad under Nizam Rule. During this time, the family established more secure roots before being devastatingly uprooted again by Partition. This pattern of political strife, the family's displacement, loss, and ultimate survival would repeat itself numerous times in the future.

Partition[edit]

Partition of Indian Subcontinent, 1947

During the Partition of the Indian SubContinent in 1947, the land separated into two new distinct dominions, Pakistan and India, with the former being a majority Muslim country and the latter, majority Hindu[9]. Fifteen million religious minorities in both nations were encouraged to migrate to join the country of their majority religion, resulting in the largest mass migration in history, as well as the bloodiest[10].

Ten to Twenty million people crossed the newly formed borders. However, an estimated 2 million people died from violence and the harsh conditions of traveling primarily on foot. According to historians, only a tiny fraction of travelers ever made it safely across to their new designated country[10].

Despite the mass exodus of Muslims leaving India, the family remained in their homeland, determined to survive once again. Despite setbacks, the family again diversified their business. At this time, the business focused on textiles and crockery until the late 1960s[11].

Shift to Luxury Goods[edit]

Avari Hotels, Karachi

In 1967 the family moved their business to Karachi, Pakistan. While successful in crockery and textiles, the business ultimately specialized in luxury goods due to their popularity[11].

In 1983, the Malani Gift Shop in the Ramada Renaissance Hotel in Karachi, Pakistan, was opened. Avari Hotels acquired this hotel, a Pakistani international luxury hospitality management company that currently operates five hotel properties in Pakistan, two in Dubai and one in Toronto, since 1944[12].

In 1985, the then CEO, Iqbal Malani, great-grandson of the founder, began traveling across the globe to source, curate, and purchase rare jewelry that would eventually sell in his store. These unique pieces associated the Malani name with high luxury; the business named their main store the Malani Luxury Gift Boutique to secure its growing reputation as a global luxury brand.

Downtown Toronto

By 1995, Iqbal Malani and his wife, Shermyn (the current CFO), moved to Toronto, Canada, where they continued to grow their business while raising three sons, Aliammar, Uzair, and Zanir. During this time, Malani opened a similar luxury gift boutique in Toronto, Canada, at the Downtown Sheraton Hotel.

In 1996, Malani and his family moved to Atlanta, GA, to further expand on Malani’s luxury goods business, refining their acquisition of rare, handmade jewelry.

It was there that the family opened an exclusive, in-line jewelry store at the Town Center Mall. Soon after, Iqbal & Shermyn Malani started what is known today as Malani Jewelers, Inc., Headquartered in Decatur, GA.

The Digital Age[edit]

In 1998, beginning with only a 1,000 sq/ft showroom, the business rapidly grew into over 15,000 sq/ft of showroom and office spaces. Additional locations in Tampa, Florida, opened on March 30th, 2006, while the Dallas, Texas showroom opened on October 2nd, 2013. Malani Jewelers currently holds the most prominent 22K Gold & 18K Diamond E-Commerce platform in North America on MalaniJewelers.com.

Black Lives Matter Protest 2020

BLM Protests[edit]

The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement began in July 2013, with the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter on social media after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of African-American teen Trayvon Martin 17 months earlier in February 2012. The movement became nationally recognized for street demonstrations following the 2014 deaths of two African Americans, of Michael Brown—resulting in protests and unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, a city near St. Louis—and Eric Garner in New York City. Since the Ferguson protests, participants in the movement have demonstrated against the deaths of numerous other African Americans by police actions or while in police custody. In the summer of 2015, Black Lives Matter activists became involved in the 2016 United States presidential election.. The originators of the hashtag and call to action, Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi, expanded their project into a national network of over 30 local chapters between 2014 and 2016.

The movement returned to national headlines and gained further international attention during the global George Floyd protests in 2020 following his murder by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

An estimated 15 million to 26 million people participated in the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests in the United States, making it one of the most significant movements in the country's history. The movement comprises many views and a broad array of demands, but they center on criminal justice reform.

On May 31st, 2020, during one of the many global protests, the Fowler Plaza South in Tampa, Florida, was burned by arsonists infiltrating the peaceful protest. While the fire stopped just north of the Malani store, looters got inside[13].

According to Tampa Bay News, Security videos inside the store revealed broken glass scattered as the looters rushed inside. They took computers, telephones, and other equipment but could not get into the safe. Fire crews showered water on the plaza well into 2 am as authorities disrupted the chaos[14].

Despite their loss in another unfortunate socio-political catastrophe, Malani has been vigilant in not condemning the BLM movement, issuing the following statement on social media.

"As our Tampa location was set on fire, our family stood heartbroken and in despair. We hope and pray that we will be able to rebuild our business, but we will never be able to bring back the life of George Floyd or the lives of countless others we lost due to the generations of systemic racism. Malani Jewelers stands in Solidarity with BLACK LIVES MATTER."

Malani Today[edit]

The Malani Jewelers Corporation is as resilient and determined to succeed today as fiercely as it had over one hundred years ago. The company continues its global expansion while integrating its authentic South Asian techniques with traditional and more modern Indo-European styles. The brand has grown at an increasing rate while keeping the primary corporate operations a family affair.

Iqbal and Shermyn Malani intentionally primed their three sons to become forward-thinking businessmen. Raised in an entrepreneurial household, they are now directly participating in the future of family business. The eldest, Aliammar, who received his business degree from Oglethorpe University, is a gemologist, transitioning into a leadership role in the e-Commerce division and operations. Fraternal twins, Uzair and Zanir, received Bachelor of Business Administration degrees from the prestigious Goizueta Business School at Emory University. While studying Finance, Consulting, and Entrepreneurship at Emory's Business School, they experienced a profound loss[15].

Friends (left to right) Zanir Malani, Faraaz Hossain, Uzair Malani

Their best friend and classmate, Faraaz Ayaaz Hossain, died heroically during the tragic July 6th, 2016, Dhaka terrorist attack in Bangladesh, when five militants took hostages and opened fire on the Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan Thana[16]. The assailants entered the bakery with crude bombs, machetes, pistols, and murdered

29 people, including 20 hostages (17 foreigners and 3 locals), two police officers, five gunmen, and two bakery staff. Uzair and Zanir were deeply saddened and moved by their friend, Faraaz's sacrifice when he refused to leave his friend's side instead of escaping with his own life. They could not believe how their friend, who was noted as being, "destined for greatness," would have his life cut short at only 20 years old[15].

During a somber memorial at Emory University, it was then that they decided to join the family business immediately. Shaken by the tragedy and driven by the principles instilled by their parents, the twins were determined to contribute something of significance to their family and the larger world. After graduating, they immediately joined the family business, determined to join their elder brother, Aliammar, to take the corporation to the next level as their parents had hoped.

“I would one day like to see our new generation of businessmen use their ingenuity to take our brand to Wall Street, but we must not forget: The idea is not to make money, but to make history.”  - Iqbal Malani.

Craftsmanship[edit]

Temple Jewelry[edit]

Originating in the 9th century, Temple Jewelry remains a valuable part of South India’s cultural heritage. It was initially worn for religious ceremonies but adopted for other heightened social occasions[17]. Often intricate and made with the finest materials, regarded as an expensive, nearly exclusive status symbol. Typically it is worn both by wealthy women and classical dancers to add divinity and uniqueness to their look.

Kundan or Jaipuri Jewelry[edit]

Mughal Princess, Art institute of Chicago

Kundan, also known as Jaipuri since Jaipur, Rajasthan is the traditional center for Kundan in India[18].

It is a distinguished form of  Indian gemstone jewelry involving a gem set with a gold foil between the stones and its mount, usually for elaborate necklaces. This method is believed to have originated in the royal courts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. It is one of the older forms of jewelry made and worn in India. The word Kundan means highly refined gold and a pure form of molten gold[18].

Origins of Kundan jewellry in India date back to at least the 3rd century BCE. Kundan started in Rajasthan Royal court and then flourished under royal patronage during the Mughal era[19]. Over the years, the Kundan jewelry of the courts was successfully copied in silver in Rajasthan, Bihar, and the Punjab and became popular with the common man[20].

It remains an integral part of the traditional bridal wedding trousseau. Traditional settings, including the thappa and ras rawa, are experiencing a revival. Most recently, in the 2008 historical epic film, Jodhaa Akbar, Princess Jodhaa Bai, the lead portrayed by Aishwariya Rai, was extensively shown. wearing Kundan and Meenakari jewelry, highlighting its influence among Rajasthani royalty[21].

Meenakari Jewelry[edit]

Meenakari refers to a specific enamel technique used in various types of jewelry from Western and South Asia[22]. The beauty of meenakari is in its vivid, bright colors and smooth, polished appearance. While richly paired with pearls, diamonds, and a variety of gemstones, its intricate enamel work elevates this jewelry-making technique.  It regained popularity as a fashionable and modern look due to its presence in many historical dramas[23].

Polki Jewelry[edit]

Polki jewelry is one of the most notable types of South Asian jewelry. Polki features rough, uncut diamonds paired with gold and other gemstones, and the diamonds are purposefully unpolished[24]. This raw look gives Polki jewelry its distinction as a timeless heirloom often passed down from generation to generation[25].

Jadau Technique[edit]

Characterized by exquisite metalwork, Jadau or Jali jewelry features metal mesh and filigree[26]. The word Jali refers to the type of stone carvings found in Indian architecture, which feature elaborate and detailed stone filigree and bead-like designs. The wooden mesh used in the jewelry are also used in houses to mark spaces.

Products[edit]

22K Gold[edit]

Malani is known for its luxury goods and carrying the widest variety of 22kt Gold, Diamond, Antique, and Gemstone Jewelry in Northern America.

Malani, Inc. is concerned about the environmental and social impacts. We at Malani, Inc. will ensure that all our gold suppliers comply with internationally known gold sourcing guidelines. Furthermore, we are committed to ensuring that our sourcing of gold, precious metals products, and articles are under the highest Social, Human rights, and Environmental standards of trade, such as Dodd-Frank and Signet SRSP.

Diamonds and Gemstones[edit]

Unlike other similar diamond retailers, such as Tiffany & Co,  Malani does not have a strict policy against repurchasing diamonds sold from its stores[27]. It also offers a 15-day money-back guarantee on all diamond jewelry purchased online, placing client satisfaction as its primary business priority. All Malani diamonds are GIA, IGI, GAL, or EGL Certified and are always certified with a Malani Certificate of Authenticity[28].

They also offer a vast selection of genuine Birthstones, carefully hand-picked by their highly experienced purchasing & design team. Their gemstones are natural and have never been treated, irradiated, or color-enhanced to maintain astrological properties.

Awards and Recognition[edit]

Malani Jewelers, Inc. has over 12,000 5-star Google verified reviews and was nominated as the best in Georgia 2021 by the Georgia Business Journal.

Philanthropy and Corporate Sponsored Events[edit]

His Highness, the Aga Khan, London

Since the company's birth, philanthropy and the spirit of giving have remained a core value at Malani Jewelers. The Malani Family believes in leveraging the glamor and allure of high-end jewelry to reach a broader audience for charitable causes.

Aga Khan Foundation[edit]

This passion for serving and providing opportunities for those in need has led them to work with the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and the Aga Khan Development Network[29].

The AKF seeks to provide long-term solutions to poverty, hunger, illiteracy, and ill health in the poorest parts of South and Central Asia, Eastern and Western Africa, and the Middle East. In these regions, the needs of rural communities in mountainous, coastal, and resource-poor areas receive particular attention[30]. The Foundation's activities often reinforce the work of other sister agencies within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). While these agencies follow different mandates about their respective fields of expertise (the environment, culture, micro-finance, health, education, architecture, rural development), their activities often coordinate with one another in order to "multiply" the overall effect that the Network has in any given place or community[31]. AKF also collaborates with local, national, and international partners to bring about sustainable improvements of life in the 19 countries in which it works. The Foundation's head office is located in Geneva, Switzerland[32].

In popular culture and Celebrity Endorsements[edit]

Malani has been featured in major magazines and associated with top Bollywood and Hollywood celebrities including, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, Sara Ali Khan, Saumya Tandon, Esha Deol, Mona Singh, Karishma Sharma, as well as many others.

Malani has also sponsored several significant Bollywood-based events such as the 2014 IFFA Awards Expo, the 2019 Arijit Singh concert, Saif Ali-Khans 2019 international hit "The Nawab Story," and many others[33]

Environmental sustainability efforts[edit]

Environmentally Sustainable Gold/Diamonds[edit]

Malani, Inc. is committed to effective environmental management and complies with all applicable environmental laws and regulations, and consistently trains and audits its employees to keep its long-held compliance. Malani, Inc. is committed to the fight against undisclosed synthetic diamonds and has access to effective detection systems, only buys from trusted suppliers, is always in compliance with a MAP of De Beers in the entire supply chain, and ensures the trust of retail customers is maintained.

Gold Sourcing Policy[edit]

Malani, Inc. is concerned about the environmental and social impacts. They ensure that all their gold suppliers comply with internationally known gold sourcing guidelines. Furthermore, their sourcing of gold, precious metals products, and articles are under the highest Social, Human Rights, and Environmental standards of trade, such as Dodd-Frank and Signet SRSP.

Fight Against the Blood Diamond Industry[edit]

Malani, Inc. is fully committed to complying with all the requirements specified in the

Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and World Diamond Council’s (WDC) System of Warranties Declaration. All Malani-associated manufacturing sites and suppliers recognize the definition of ‘Conflict Gem Stone Diamonds’ defined by the Kimberley Process and strictly adhere to it.

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  15. ^ a b "Memorial service honors students killed in terrorist attack". news.emory.edu. 2016-08-30. Retrieved 2022-04-06.
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  21. ^ Keene, Manuel (2001). Treasury of the world : jeweled arts of India in the age of the Mughals. Salam Kaoukji. New York: Thames & Hudson. ISBN 0-500-97608-2. OCLC 48241010.
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