{{|*It is a time for transition, innovation and to tread new paths. That is just what Allure, the new store in Mumbai’s elite, up-market suburb of Bandra is doing. Behind a closed door, Nilan Singh finds a wonderland of exquisite jewellery and an engaging style of retailing.*|}}%% Allure, the store may be new. But its jewellery has been a lure for customers for over a decade now. Allure Jewels & Gems was born out of a partnership between two families – the Poonglias and the Niruptyas – both from the coloured gemstone trade. The company, set up in 2001, had its manufacturing base in Thailand from the outset, which is where all the jewellery is designed and produced to date. From there, the jewellery is exported to the US, Europe, the Middle East and India. %% The company’s day-to-day operations are looked after jointly by Shirish (Nikku) Poonglia and Nikhil Niruptya. %% “We were wholesalers of jewellery for quite a while,” explains Poonglia. “We have been taking part in major B2B trade shows in Hong Kong, Vicenza, Basel and Bangkok over the years.” %% However, what led to the retail venture was their participation in B2C shows in India. “We took part in many high profile exhibitions all over India in the past few years and have done many private shows for our jewellery as well,” says Poonglia.“We received a very good response from each and every exhibition and this led to us opening our own retail outlet.” %%

When they started looking around for a place to set up shop, it took hardly any time to put the spot on Bandra in Mumbai. “Bandra now is a jewellery hub and is also very central – accessible to customers both from town as well as from the surburbs,” elaborates Poonglia about the choice of location. The retail store has been in operation from January 2011. %% One visit to Allure and you will realise that it is not just another jewellery store or outlet. It represents a very special, exclusive style of retailing. Two modest windows with far from modest pieces of jewellery proclaim both the understated, classy nature of the operation as well as the extremely high end and choice jewellery within. The door is closed with a security guard outside. He rings the bell, the door opens. And like Lewis Carroll’s Alice you step through the door into wonderland. %% It is a dazzling world. And the difference strikes you immediately. The space is not large. No glass cases crammed with jewellery line the showroom. Rather the display is in elegant wall mounted show cases in glossy black laminate and similar floor display cases. Within them the jewellery is presented to highlight each unique piece separately, and illuminated with focus lights. The rest of the lighting is muted save for a brilliant chandelier in red glass which is an eye-catching accent of the room. The brown and beige colour scheme, with black laminate for relief, gives the entire space an elegant and elite appearance. The brown marble floor with mother-of-pearl inlay design further emphasises this as do the small touches like the diamond-studded handle on the glass door through which one enters. %% At the end of the room are two tables with chairs where clients can sit and see the jewellery in comfort – the tables black with the chairs in red velvet. Behind these, a stairway mounts up to a mezzanine which is a small back office space. %% The design for the interiors has been mostly conceived in-house. “We believe in the philosophy of less is more,” expounds Poonglia. “Our display though elaborate has very few pieces. It’s not like a jigsaw puzzle, fully filled up with jewellery – where customers feel lost.” Elaborating further, he says, “The store is designed keeping in mind the trendy yet classy look.” %%

It is clear that anyone entering into the store gets very special and personalised attention by the staff members who are trained in-house to cater to the select clientele in a knowledgeable and courteous manner. It is a place where long- time customers, or those who have been introduced to Allure jewellery at exhibitions or even those simply intrigued by the unusual façade and in search of unique, prime pieces can come and select from the choicest of arrays. “We sell everything in fine jewellery starting from cuffs, rings, earrings, neckpieces, bracelets,” says Poonglia. “We also take customised orders.” %% The spotlight is of course on the jewellery. Looking at it one realises that each piece has its own unique twist in design which makes it stand apart, and as a whole distinguishes it from jewellery available in most other stores. %% With prices starting from Rs. 40,000 and going up to Rs. 65 lakh or so, there can be no compromise on design, finish or quality of materials used. Elaborating on their jewellery, Poonglia says, “Our speciality lies in our deft craftsmanship stunning designs and the flawless finish. Further, the charm of our jewellery lies in the fact that we use only the finest of coloured gemstones and diamonds.” He adds: “In order to ensure the sheer rarity of the design, and the extremely high standard of quality, every piece of ours is created in-house at our own factory in Bangkok from start to finish.” %% The new store has launched a marketing campaign through the print media and have advertised in high profile publications like Bombay Times and Vogue, and will soon be seen in other magazines. No doubt, word-of-mouth will add a strong pull as well. %% Having established its presence in Mumbai, the leading metropolis, Allure now looks forward to spreading its wings. “We would like to establish Allure showrooms in all the four leading metros,” says Poonglia of their future plans. If the Mumbai showroom is anything to go by, the denizens of the other metros indeed have a treat in store awaiting them.

{{The display is in elegant wall mounted show cases in glossy black laminate and similar floor display cases. Within them the jewellery is presented to highlight each unique piece separately, and illuminated with focus lights.}}

{{Each piece has its own unique twist in design which makes it stand apart, and as a whole distinguishes it from jewellery available in most other stores.}}

{{|*It is a time for transition, innovation and to tread new paths. That is just what Allure, the new store in Mumbai’s elite, up-market suburb of Bandra is doing. Behind a closed door, Nilan Singh finds a wonderland of exquisite jewellery and an engaging style of retailing.*|}}%% Allure, the store may be new. But its jewellery has been a lure for customers for over a decade now. Allure Jewels & Gems was born out of a partnership between two families – the Poonglias and the Niruptyas – both from the coloured gemstone trade. The company, set up in 2001, had its manufacturing base in Thailand from the outset, which is where all the jewellery is designed and produced to date. From there, the jewellery is exported to the US, Europe, the Middle East and India. %% The company’s day-to-day operations are looked after jointly by Shirish (Nikku) Poonglia and Nikhil Niruptya. %% “We were wholesalers of jewellery for quite a while,” explains Poonglia. “We have been taking part in major B2B trade shows in Hong Kong, Vicenza, Basel and Bangkok over the years.” %% However, what led to the retail venture was their participation in B2C shows in India. “We took part in many high profile exhibitions all over India in the past few years and have done many private shows for our jewellery as well,” says Poonglia.“We received a very good response from each and every exhibition and this led to us opening our own retail outlet.” %%

When they started looking around for a place to set up shop, it took hardly any time to put the spot on Bandra in Mumbai. “Bandra now is a jewellery hub and is also very central – accessible to customers both from town as well as from the surburbs,” elaborates Poonglia about the choice of location. The retail store has been in operation from January 2011. %% One visit to Allure and you will realise that it is not just another jewellery store or outlet. It represents a very special, exclusive style of retailing. Two modest windows with far from modest pieces of jewellery proclaim both the understated, classy nature of the operation as well as the extremely high end and choice jewellery within. The door is closed with a security guard outside. He rings the bell, the door opens. And like Lewis Carroll’s Alice you step through the door into wonderland. %% It is a dazzling world. And the difference strikes you immediately. The space is not large. No glass cases crammed with jewellery line the showroom. Rather the display is in elegant wall mounted show cases in glossy black laminate and similar floor display cases. Within them the jewellery is presented to highlight each unique piece separately, and illuminated with focus lights. The rest of the lighting is muted save for a brilliant chandelier in red glass which is an eye-catching accent of the room. The brown and beige colour scheme, with black laminate for relief, gives the entire space an elegant and elite appearance. The brown marble floor with mother-of-pearl inlay design further emphasises this as do the small touches like the diamond-studded handle on the glass door through which one enters. %% At the end of the room are two tables with chairs where clients can sit and see the jewellery in comfort – the tables black with the chairs in red velvet. Behind these, a stairway mounts up to a mezzanine which is a small back office space. %% The design for the interiors has been mostly conceived in-house. “We believe in the philosophy of less is more,” expounds Poonglia. “Our display though elaborate has very few pieces. It’s not like a jigsaw puzzle, fully filled up with jewellery – where customers feel lost.” Elaborating further, he says, “The store is designed keeping in mind the trendy yet classy look.” %%

It is clear that anyone entering into the store gets very special and personalised attention by the staff members who are trained in-house to cater to the select clientele in a knowledgeable and courteous manner. It is a place where long- time customers, or those who have been introduced to Allure jewellery at exhibitions or even those simply intrigued by the unusual façade and in search of unique, prime pieces can come and select from the choicest of arrays. “We sell everything in fine jewellery starting from cuffs, rings, earrings, neckpieces, bracelets,” says Poonglia. “We also take customised orders.” %% The spotlight is of course on the jewellery. Looking at it one realises that each piece has its own unique twist in design which makes it stand apart, and as a whole distinguishes it from jewellery available in most other stores. %% With prices starting from Rs. 40,000 and going up to Rs. 65 lakh or so, there can be no compromise on design, finish or quality of materials used. Elaborating on their jewellery, Poonglia says, “Our speciality lies in our deft craftsmanship stunning designs and the flawless finish. Further, the charm of our jewellery lies in the fact that we use only the finest of coloured gemstones and diamonds.” He adds: “In order to ensure the sheer rarity of the design, and the extremely high standard of quality, every piece of ours is created in-house at our own factory in Bangkok from start to finish.” %% The new store has launched a marketing campaign through the print media and have advertised in high profile publications like Bombay Times and Vogue, and will soon be seen in other magazines. No doubt, word-of-mouth will add a strong pull as well. %% Having established its presence in Mumbai, the leading metropolis, Allure now looks forward to spreading its wings. “We would like to establish Allure showrooms in all the four leading metros,” says Poonglia of their future plans. If the Mumbai showroom is anything to go by, the denizens of the other metros indeed have a treat in store awaiting them.

{{The display is in elegant wall mounted show cases in glossy black laminate and similar floor display cases. Within them the jewellery is presented to highlight each unique piece separately, and illuminated with focus lights.}}

{{Each piece has its own unique twist in design which makes it stand apart, and as a whole distinguishes it from jewellery available in most other stores.}}

{{|*It is a time for transition, innovation and to tread new paths. That is just what Allure, the new store in Mumbai’s elite, up-market suburb of Bandra is doing. Behind a closed door, Nilan Singh finds a wonderland of exquisite jewellery and an engaging style of retailing.*|}}%% Allure, the store may be new. But its jewellery has been a lure for customers for over a decade now. Allure Jewels & Gems was born out of a partnership between two families – the Poonglias and the Niruptyas – both from the coloured gemstone trade. The company, set up in 2001, had its manufacturing base in Thailand from the outset, which is where all the jewellery is designed and produced to date. From there, the jewellery is exported to the US, Europe, the Middle East and India. %% The company’s day-to-day operations are looked after jointly by Shirish (Nikku) Poonglia and Nikhil Niruptya. %% “We were wholesalers of jewellery for quite a while,” explains Poonglia. “We have been taking part in major B2B trade shows in Hong Kong, Vicenza, Basel and Bangkok over the years.” %% However, what led to the retail venture was their participation in B2C shows in India. “We took part in many high profile exhibitions all over India in the past few years and have done many private shows for our jewellery as well,” says Poonglia.“We received a very good response from each and every exhibition and this led to us opening our own retail outlet.” %%

When they started looking around for a place to set up shop, it took hardly any time to put the spot on Bandra in Mumbai. “Bandra now is a jewellery hub and is also very central – accessible to customers both from town as well as from the surburbs,” elaborates Poonglia about the choice of location. The retail store has been in operation from January 2011. %% One visit to Allure and you will realise that it is not just another jewellery store or outlet. It represents a very special, exclusive style of retailing. Two modest windows with far from modest pieces of jewellery proclaim both the understated, classy nature of the operation as well as the extremely high end and choice jewellery within. The door is closed with a security guard outside. He rings the bell, the door opens. And like Lewis Carroll’s Alice you step through the door into wonderland. %% It is a dazzling world. And the difference strikes you immediately. The space is not large. No glass cases crammed with jewellery line the showroom. Rather the display is in elegant wall mounted show cases in glossy black laminate and similar floor display cases. Within them the jewellery is presented to highlight each unique piece separately, and illuminated with focus lights. The rest of the lighting is muted save for a brilliant chandelier in red glass which is an eye-catching accent of the room. The brown and beige colour scheme, with black laminate for relief, gives the entire space an elegant and elite appearance. The brown marble floor with mother-of-pearl inlay design further emphasises this as do the small touches like the diamond-studded handle on the glass door through which one enters. %% At the end of the room are two tables with chairs where clients can sit and see the jewellery in comfort – the tables black with the chairs in red velvet. Behind these, a stairway mounts up to a mezzanine which is a small back office space. %% The design for the interiors has been mostly conceived in-house. “We believe in the philosophy of less is more,” expounds Poonglia. “Our display though elaborate has very few pieces. It’s not like a jigsaw puzzle, fully filled up with jewellery – where customers feel lost.” Elaborating further, he says, “The store is designed keeping in mind the trendy yet classy look.” %%

It is clear that anyone entering into the store gets very special and personalised attention by the staff members who are trained in-house to cater to the select clientele in a knowledgeable and courteous manner. It is a place where long- time customers, or those who have been introduced to Allure jewellery at exhibitions or even those simply intrigued by the unusual façade and in search of unique, prime pieces can come and select from the choicest of arrays. “We sell everything in fine jewellery starting from cuffs, rings, earrings, neckpieces, bracelets,” says Poonglia. “We also take customised orders.” %% The spotlight is of course on the jewellery. Looking at it one realises that each piece has its own unique twist in design which makes it stand apart, and as a whole distinguishes it from jewellery available in most other stores. %% With prices starting from Rs. 40,000 and going up to Rs. 65 lakh or so, there can be no compromise on design, finish or quality of materials used. Elaborating on their jewellery, Poonglia says, “Our speciality lies in our deft craftsmanship stunning designs and the flawless finish. Further, the charm of our jewellery lies in the fact that we use only the finest of coloured gemstones and diamonds.” He adds: “In order to ensure the sheer rarity of the design, and the extremely high standard of quality, every piece of ours is created in-house at our own factory in Bangkok from start to finish.” %% The new store has launched a marketing campaign through the print media and have advertised in high profile publications like Bombay Times and Vogue, and will soon be seen in other magazines. No doubt, word-of-mouth will add a strong pull as well. %% Having established its presence in Mumbai, the leading metropolis, Allure now looks forward to spreading its wings. “We would like to establish Allure showrooms in all the four leading metros,” says Poonglia of their future plans. If the Mumbai showroom is anything to go by, the denizens of the other metros indeed have a treat in store awaiting them.

{{The display is in elegant wall mounted show cases in glossy black laminate and similar floor display cases. Within them the jewellery is presented to highlight each unique piece separately, and illuminated with focus lights.}}

{{Each piece has its own unique twist in design which makes it stand apart, and as a whole distinguishes it from jewellery available in most other stores.}}