History

Establishment

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

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].

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

During the Partition of the Indian Sub Continent 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

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.

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

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.

BLM Protests

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 .

Craftsmanship

Temple Jewelry

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. Often intricate and made with the finest materials, Temple Jewelry is 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

Kundan, also known as Jaipuri since Jaipur, Rajasthan, is the traditional center for Kundan in India.^[17] 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. The word Kundan means highly refined gold, and a pure form of molten gold.^[18] Kundan jewelry remains an integral part of the traditional bridal wedding trousseau.

Origins of Kundan jewelry in India date back to at least the 3rd century BCE. Kundan started in the 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 Punjab and became popular with the common man.

Most recently, in the 2008 historical epic film Jodhaa Akbar, Princess Jodhaa Bai, portrayed by Aishwarya Rai, was extensively shown wearing Kundan and Meenakari jewelry, highlighting its influence among Rajasthani royalty.^[21]

Meenakari Jewelry

Meenakari refers to a specific enamel technique used in various types of jewelry from Western and South Asia. The beauty of Meenakari lies 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.^[22] Meenakari regained popularity as a fashionable and modern look due to its presence in many historical dramas.^[23]

Polki Jewelry

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

Jadau Technique

Characterized by exquisite metalwork, Jadau or Jali jewelry features metal mesh and filigree. 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.^[26] Jadau is synonymous with royalty and remains a favorite for those looking to infuse traditional beauty into their jewelry collections.^[27]

Products

22K Gold

Malani Jewelers is known for its luxury goods and carries the widest variety of 22K Gold, Diamond, Antique, and Gemstone Jewelry in Northern America. The 22K Gold collection features intricately designed pieces that showcase both traditional and contemporary styles. These pieces are highly valued for their purity and craftsmanship, making them a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions.^[28]

Malani Inc. is committed to sourcing gold that complies with international environmental and social standards. They ensure that all gold suppliers adhere to guidelines such as the Dodd-Frank Act and Signet SRSP, promoting responsible gold sourcing and ethical practices.^[29]

Diamonds and Gemstones

Unlike other similar diamond retailers, such as Tiffany & Co., Malani does not have a strict policy against repurchasing diamonds sold from its stores. It 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 certified by GIA, IGI, GAL, or EGL and come with a Malani Certificate of Authenticity.^[30]

Malani Jewelers also offers a vast selection of genuine birthstones, carefully hand-picked by their highly experienced purchasing & design team. These gemstones are natural and have never been treated, irradiated, or color-enhanced to maintain their astrological properties and natural beauty.^[31]

Awards and Recognition

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.^[32]

Philanthropy and Corporate Sponsored Events

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

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 (AKDN).^[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 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 in 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

Malani Jewelers has been featured in major magazines and is associated with top Bollywood and Hollywood celebrities. Notable figures include Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, Sara Ali Khan, Saumya Tandon, Esha Deol, Mona Singh, and Karishma Sharma. These endorsements highlight the brand''s appeal and presence in both the Bollywood and Hollywood industries.

Malani has also sponsored several significant Bollywood-based events, including the 2014 IIFA Awards Expo, the 2019 Arijit Singh concert, and Saif Ali Khan''s 2019 international hit "The Nawab Story". These partnerships underscore Malani''s commitment to connecting with a wide audience through cultural and entertainment platforms.^[33]

Environmental Sustainability Efforts

Environmentally Sustainable Gold/Diamonds

Malani Jewelers, Inc. is committed to effective environmental management and compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. The company consistently trains and audits its employees to maintain long-held compliance with these standards. Malani is dedicated to fighting against undisclosed synthetic diamonds and only buys from trusted suppliers who adhere to stringent ethical guidelines.^[34]

The company ensures that all of its gold suppliers comply with internationally recognized gold sourcing guidelines, such as the Dodd-Frank Act and the Signet Responsible Sourcing Protocol (SRSP). Malani''s sourcing of gold, precious metals, and related products adheres to the highest social, human rights, and environmental standards.^[35]

Gold Sourcing Policy

Malani Jewelers is vigilant about the environmental and social impacts of gold sourcing. The company works closely with suppliers who are committed to ethical sourcing practices. Malani''s gold sourcing policy is designed to ensure transparency, traceability, and accountability throughout the supply chain.^[36]

Fight Against the Blood Diamond Industry

Malani Jewelers is fully committed to complying with all the requirements specified in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and the World Diamond Council’s (WDC) System of Warranties Declaration. All Malani-associated manufacturing sites and suppliers recognize and strictly adhere to the definition of ‘Conflict Gem Stone Diamonds’ as outlined by the Kimberley Process.^[37]

Citations