Anar, wearing “art du jour” is flanked by Samir Bhansali and brother Tej Bhansali.
By Ramesh Mathew/Staff Reporter
La Reina from Los Angeles, like some of the other participants at the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, has been focusing mainly on diamonds and it is there for every visitor to see and experience at the Qatar National Convention Centre this year.
Speaking to this newspaper, the Group CEO Samir Bhansali has no doubt that along with the pricing the quantum of creativity that one puts in a piece also matters in the business of diamonds. “The tastes of each customer may be different from the other but the thing that is most common among them is their liking for creativity”.
Bhansali, who started trading more than 30 years ago, is into the boutique deals from 1994 onwards and has established himself as one of the most talked about merchants in the industry. “My forte is diamonds and the innovations that we effect in our ornaments have stood us in good stead all along,” said Bhansali, who is actively trading at the venue, along with his daughter Anar, a designer and son Tej.
The US-based entrepreneur said his grandfather Rajnikanth Bhansali started the business in 1890 in Mumbai and their jewellery has built up a reputation of creating exclusive patterns. “Our’s are mostly one of the time creations and one is certain not to find even a semblance of similarities elsewhere with the ornaments that we make for our clients,” said Bhansali, whose daughter designs many of those pieces that they have put up for sale this time.
“Art du jour” a bracelet at his store here is expected to fetch anywhere between $200,000 and $225,000, it is understood. “Most of the pieces on display this time have between 6 and 18 months for completion,” he said.
Alfardan Jewellery is La Reina’s Qatar business associate.
