Gemsmiths

“We’ve met some strange demands over the years,” Jeremy confides,“One client wanted me to create an impression of Anthony of Padua on a necklace he was gifting his wife. We didn’t hesitate and downloaded a picture to start work. We’ve also had requests from our Indian customers who want to test stones before actually wearing them. So they’ll slip a gem under their pillow and if nothing untoward occurs,they go for the jewellery.”

Jeremy,creative director of the company,may joke about these instances in the relaxed atmosphere of a coffee shop,but he acknowledges that it’s very serious business indeed. “Unlike other big brands and fashion houses,we don’t believe in treating our customers badly. When you come to us,you get top class service. We

believe in indulging our customers and they know it. That is why we’ve had so much repeat business over the years,” he adds.

That’s the reason why,when one customer wanted to make sure that the diamond in her ring touched her finger (for superstitious reasons),Jeremy cut off the pointed base,so that the diamond could rest comfortably on her finger. And it’s also why,when the Morrises brought their collection to

India for the exhibition,they’ve made sure not to include any blue sapphires (of which Indians have a well-known phobia) and have brought plenty of diamonds and emeralds.

David Morris has been a name to reckon with in the world of haute joaillerie for over 50 years now. Since opening its flagship store on London’s Bond Street in 1962,the label has done some very high profile work including designing unique pieces for James Bond films like Diamonds are Forever and Tomorrow Never Dies. It’s been a decade since Jeremy took over the designing mantle from his father and he’s continued combining tradition with cutting edge technology in jewellery making.

At heart though,he’s still very much a traditionalist. When asked if he’d ever work with materials like black diamonds,he pooh-poohs the suggestion,implying that it’s just a gimmick. “Personally,I think black diamonds are ugly. They’re like coal,completely valueless. A diamond should be clear and brilliant,” he declares.