Bafna Jewellers

RC Bafna jewelers, have a chain of jewelry stores in Aurangabad, Jalgaon and now in Nasik.  This family owned chain of stores has always run along the lines of the traditional Indian jewelry shop. The group approached DGA to design their new 15,000 Sq. Ft store at Nasik two years ago. Their brief was simple- to design the store in such a way as to broaden their client base while ensuring that the loyalty of their older clients was maintained. While evolving the concept, DGA felt that it was important to break with tradition.  They decided on a color palette of grey and white- colours usually associated with high end contemporary design. These blunt cold colours are not usually seen in jewelry stores. These colors lent a sense of simplicity and vastness to the space. To this minimal palette traditional details were added to create points of interest.

The building was still under construction when the DGA team began working on the interior concepts. At the architectural level the team proposed several changes that they felt would add to the functionality and vastness of the floor space as well as increase the available display area. In large retail spaces visual connectivity is very important. Because of this we team proposed a cut out in the first floor slab which would provide vertical connectivity between the two floors. A vertical block rises from the ground level to the first floor slab- a height of 25 feet. At the base of the block is a water body made of Italian marble having a Ganesha idol.

The store is divided into 3 main sections. The ground level that deals with gold and silver jewelry. The first floor, which houses the diamond section, and the second floor which has jewelry exclusively for weddings as well as the administrative block. The overall feel of the store is trendy and luxurious.

The overall color palette is kept to neutral grey and white. This is reflected in the choice of materials used in the flooring, wall claddings and furniture. The cash counter on the ground level is dominated by huge 25 feet high decorative panels. These again provide visual connectivity between the two floors. An interesting detail is the minakari work in the floors and walls. This detail is used to draw attention to the wall display as well as break the monotony of the long continuous display surfaces.

The first floor houses the diamond section. The color palette of the ground floor is continued here as well. On the main wall housing jewelry display laser cut nu wood panels that are backlit are used to create elements of interest.

The second floor is exclusively for marriage jewelry. This jewelry is very heavy and this is reflected in the color palette and materials used in this area. Here dark ebony veneers are used in combination with rough wood paneling. Tribal artwork of bastar has been carved on the wooden panels. The central circular ceiling block has been treated with champagne gold leafing and a chandelier hangs from this block. This area also has an exclusive VIP lounge area which has been done in plush materials such as dark veneers, faux leather and wood.

Project Fact file

  • Client’s Name – Mr. R.C Bafna
  • Showroom Area – 12000 Sq. Ft
  • Design Team – Dipen Gada, Yatin Kavaiya, Uday Amin
  • Photography – Tejas Shah