Bespoke fine jewellery maker Vashi expanded during the pandemic, doubling its number of employees.

The brand was founded by Vashi Dominguez, whose 20 years in the diamond industry had left him amazed that the fine jewellery stores of Bond Street and Fifth Avenue had barely moved with the times.

He opened his first store in 2016 with a vision to shake up the staid and secretive trade and modernise the traditional diamond shopping experience, all while operating ethically.

The rapidly growing company now has six stores across London and Manchester, with the seventh and largest location opening in Covent Garden this year, all offering responsibly crafted jewellery at a fair price.  

Each store has its own workshop and customers are invited into the heart of the design and making process.

Employees are treated in the same inclusive and friendly manner as customers and are at the core of all company decisions.

All employees received full pay during the pandemic and no one was furloughed, despite the stores being closed in lockdown.

Vashi's commitment to its employees is also reflected in its staff benefits.  The company believes that the last thing that anyone who is unwell should have to think about is their pay and every employee is entitled to seven days of sick pay a year.  

Staff are entitled to up to 29 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, and have access to a mental health first aider.  The package of perks also includes free gym membership and access to an online GP and prescription service.