Bahrain Jewellery Centre – The Masters of Brilliance from Bahrain
BJC, or Bahrain Jewellery Centre, stands as a pioneer of radiant luxury in the Kingdom of Bahrain. How did a local boutique offering European watches and jewelry evolve into an impressive network of exclusive horological and jewelry salons? From the very beginning, the Shirazi family understood that true luxury is not only about an exceptional product selection, but also about trust, expertise, and service — as reliable as a Swiss timepiece.
Dr. Abualqassim Abbas Shirazi is a man of legend. Educated in Germany and Austria, he was among the first Bahraini citizens to earn a PhD in Political Science. The world was open before him, yet he chose to return home and devote himself to the family operations. His fluent command of German helped him forge business ties in Switzerland, and together with his uncle and brother, he established Bahrain Jewellery Centre — the first boutique in the kingdom to showcase top European horological and jewelry brands. Today, the fourth generation of the Shirazi family steers the company’s day-to-day activities, while Dr. Shirazi — its founder and patriarch — remains an active and respected voice in the business.
Humble Beginnings
Although the company timeline marks its founding year, 1978, with the phrase “Humble beginnings,” the selection of brands available in the first BJC store was anything but modest: Patek Philippe, Piaget, Omega, Vacheron Constantin, Maria Gaspari, Stephan Hafner.
Success came swiftly. Within a year, the boutique tripled its retail space. The move to the iconic Moda Mall in 1986 opened a new chapter for the brand. The 1990s saw the launch of the first monobrand boutiques managed by BJC — and the word “humble” was no longer applicable. The names now included Tiffany & Co. and Chopard. Fast forward to 2025: the Shirazi family’s company proudly operates 18 boutiques in Bahrain and 2 in Saudi Arabia, including monobrand stores for Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., Chopard, Kismet by Milka, Piaget, and TAG Heuer. The BJC portfolio also shines with global icons such as Roberto Coin, Damiani, Schreiner, and Alessa, along with Switzerland’s finest watchmaking maisons — now over 200 brands in total. Among its distinctive ventures is BJC Baby, a boutique offering jewelry and accessories for children. When asked about their secret to success, the family responds humbly (!): “We cultivate a culture of expertise.”
No Luxury Without Trust
While the portfolio continues to expand, BJC’s core values have remained unchanged since 1978. True to the ethos established by Dr. Shirazi, his uncle, and his brother, clients in every BJC boutique experience uncompromising quality, exceptional service, and expert knowledge. The founder proudly notes that some customers have been with them since the very beginning — once it was the grandparents and parents who shopped at BJC; today, it’s their children and grandchildren. The key word is trust. Luxury today goes beyond the value of an object. It encompasses a client experience that anticipates needs and exceeds expectations. For example, watches purchased from BJC boutiques can be serviced by technicians trained in Switzerland — a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence.
This same spirit of craftsmanship and brilliance will once again shine at the upcoming Jewellery Arabia show, taking place 25–29 November 2025. The Shirazi family played a key role in founding this exhibition, which has grown into the leading jewelry event in the Gulf region. For years, BJC has occupied the largest exhibition space at the show, crafting immersive experiences for guests — from royals and collectors to enthusiasts and media — that reflect the brand’s enduring values and luminous DNA. And speaking of brilliance, there will be no shortage of sparkle — not in hundreds, but in thousands of carats. Stay tuned, as Blingsis’ editor-in-chief will be there live in November, bringing every glittering moment of Jewellery Arabia to all the jewelry lovers out there!
