Crafting Magical Experiences

Sumi Thomas October 14, 2023

4 minutes read

Mohamed Abdulrazak Shirazi, Director, Bahrain Jewellery Centre talks to Gulf Insider about the upcoming Jewellery Arabia, the beginnings of BJC, and introducing global luxury brands to the Bahraini market in this interview.

To date, what has been your proudest moment leading BJC?

There have been many achievements and proud moments for us throughout the years. One of many memorable moments is an exquisite 22-carat rare pink diamond ring by Schreiner which was sold for $90 million at Jewellery Arabia 2019, it is the biggest-ever sale for the brand. The sale made news worldwide and it was a very proud moment for BJC to have a sale of such calibre. Another proud moment is the opening of mono boutiques throughout the Kingdom. We have managed to open boutiques such as Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Graff, Roberto Coin, Grand Seiko, and Tag Heuer, to name a few. Opening such boutiques shows the magnitude of the BJC brand, not only in Bahrain but in the Middle East as well.

What can visitors expect from this year’s Jewellery Arabia?

The lineup we have at Jewellery Arabia this year is beyond incredible. Visitors will be stunned by the renowned luxury brands that will be side by side at the BJC pavilion. Staggering pieces of various styles and tastes from extravagant luxury jewellery and watch brands across the world will be catered for all our visitors to enjoy. There will definitely be a special piece for each person that will be cherished for years to come.

What is your vision for the Bahrain Jewellery Centre?

At Bahrain Jewellery Centre we are always aiming to widen our horizons and grow further. We are always expanding, improving, and revamping, with new and larger boutiques continuously in the pipeline. We are currently renovating our Aali Mall store which will hopefully open in November. It will have luxurious interiors that will encompass everything from high-end jewellery and watches to homeware and gifting. BJC has become eponymous with luxury goods and we can proudly say we are the hub for splendour in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

What were some of the earliest learning experiences during the inception of BJC?

Some of the earliest learning experiences during the inception of BJC were to have patience and be humble with the surroundings. Approaching brands can require some effort and negotiation. We had to understand different brands have different cultures and we learned to adapt to the culture of each company in order to gain their trust and respect.

How does BJC continue to stay relevant with changing times and new trends in the industry? It is quite essential to stay relevant with the changing times and new trends as they are ever-evolving. It is imperative to keep up and always be on the lookout for our customers’ preferences as what is current and in demand today may change the next. Of course, we have anchor companies that have been with us for many years and they will always remain, however, at the end of the day it is crucial to keep diversifying and embracing the new.

What according to you are the key qualities or skills that every leader should possess in order to thrive?

I believe a leader should have several key qualities and skills in order to thrive, however, I will mention the ones that I personally feel are the most crucial. First and foremost, a good leader should have effective communication skills. Through good communication skills, a leader is able to gain trust, inspire positive outcomes, and push towards achieving goals. That being said, a leader must be charismatic and have a positive attitude. In addition, like any business, challenges and hurdles are inevitable. A leader must be a problem solver and also be able to delegate the necessary tasks to the right people in order to overcome any adversity.

Speaking honestly, what are some of the opportunities and challenges in your industry?

Since the inception of BJC, our main focus continues to be to offer excellent customer service, having an immense and updated collection of watches and jewellery, and of course a phenomenal after-care service. We have had the incredible opportunity to obtain the most advanced state-of-the-art equipment and technology to be able to meet our clients’ expectations in repairs and aftercare. We have ensured that our staff is knowledgeable with the most up-to-date information about each brand and the craftsmanship that accompanies their products and are trained with the highest level of skill to provide these services. At BJC we are proud to have had the opportunity to build our very own stand-alone service centre located at Moda Mall. The current challenge in the industry is tapping into the younger generation since their style and tastes are different to those of the past. We have to cater to their needs in order to stay relevant.

Is there a particular saying or motto that guides you?

“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” – Henry Ford

This quote is particularly important to me as it’s easy to glide through when things are going smoothly, but whenever you are faced with challenges, you need an uplifting reminder. It’s true that ‘the only way out is through’, and it’s only on the other side where you can see the magic happen.