Hyderabadi Pearls

Can any women resist the glow of pearls? None. It so happens that India has its own pearl kingdom in the city of Hyderabad, also known as the 'City of Pearls'. Hyderabad and pearls go way back in history to the 19th century. Legend has it, that kings showered their people with pearls during ceremonies as gifts.




As Ram Dutt Malji, became the royal jeweller, his son Seth Kedarnathji Motiwale, opened the first ever pearl rims in Patthargatti in 1902. Though started with pearls from the Persian Gulf, the trade began to flourish with Indian pearls. Throughout the years, people from all over the world, flock to the city in search of some of the finest pearls in the world, not to mention the rare and lustrous tear-drop pearls. Even today, there is a village called Chandapet, just outside the city, fully dedicated to the art of drilling pearls, the 'Queen of Pearls'.

Types of Pearls   

Pearls generally are of two types: Real and Cultured. Once the pearls are extracted, they are segregated according to their shapes, and then drilled either horizontally or vertically by skilled artisans. Once the drilling is done, pearls are graded according to their sheen, shape, glaze, lustre, size and uniformity.
Though traditionally, people prefer the luster and sheen of white pearls, pink and black pearls also have their own value in the trade. The color of a pearl is determined by observation under ultraviolet light.

Famous types of Pearls in Hyderabad

Like any other pearl city in the world, Hyderabad also has its own signature pearls that never cease to attract buyers from all over the world.

• Cultured pearls embedded in gold and silver jewellery of exquisite designs are one of the landmark creations of pearl jewellery in Hyderabad.
• The incomparable 'Basra'- a pearl with an unbeatable luster, color and price is a star attraction to the pearls of Hyderabad.
• The 'Rice-pearl', a miniscule variety of pearls are also much sought after. 

Unique Pearl Jewellery

Jewels made from pearls range from a variety of bracelets and chokers. Some special varieties include:

• Chatai (a mat type chain, rings and earrings)
• Hath pool (for the fingers and wrist)
• Vaddenan (waist-belt)
• Chand bali (moon-shaped earring)
• Rassi (rope-like chain)
• Satlad (seven strand pearl set with precious stones) and many more.

Pearls are priced from Rs. 10 to Rs.2000 per gram.

Where to find pearls in Hyderabad

Patthergatti and Lad Bazaar are well known for their teeming pearl shops with stunning displays. They are sold in almost every imaginable outlet, from extravagant stores to street side shops. Abids and Basheer Bagh areas are also known for their pearl trade. Mangatrai Pearls, Suraj Bhan Jewellers, Jagdamba Pearls, Tara Pearls and Jewellers are some of the leading pearl showrooms in the city.

Mangatrai Pearls
Punjagutta Cross Road,
Hyderabad- 500032.
Andhra Pradesh, India.
Ph: 91-40-23411816/17

Suraj Bhan Jewellers
Basheer Bagh,
Hyderabad- 500063,
Andhra Pradesh, India.
Ph: 91-40-23264023/24/25

Jagdamba Pearls
Opp. To Gandhi Road,
Nallagutta, Ramgopalpet,
Secunderabad, AP- 500003, India.
Ph: 91-98-85-540000

Tara Pearls and Jewellers
Bank street, Abids,
Hyderabad, AP- 500001, India.
Ph: 91-40-2475-2128

So if you are in Hyderabad, you cannot afford not to buy pearls from the city and gift it to your loved ones or keep one for yourself!