FOOD & SHOPPING
Apart from its delectable food scene, the other thing truly synonymous with Hyderabad is its long-standing love affair with pearls. Chandanpet, a village near Hyderabad, has been engaged in the art of drilling pearls for generations. Since Hyderabad is the largest pearl drilling centre in India, it offers the best variety of white and coloured pearls for connoisseurs. Here are the best places to shop for these divine pieces when in the land of the nawabs.
This is one of those places that bedazzle you from the moment you set foot. In existence since the era of the Qutub Shahis, the market has the Chaar Minar in its neighbourhood. People flock here to buy the famous lacquer bangles, which has earned it the name ‘Choodi Bazaar’. It also houses prominent jewellery shops such as Krishna Pearls and Sri Jadgamba Pearls where you can learn about the history and ancestry of different kinds of jewellery and pearls. You can buy something starting at Rs. 50, and can go up to lacs of rupees. Visit the Laad Bazaar between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. when most of the shops are open.
The name says it all. This market is a heaven for pearl sets, and also offers an array of brassware. The jewellery sold here is mostly authentic, and you can land yourself some great deals on necklaces, bangles et al. The market is also well known for selling other goods like household items, perfumes, dry fruits and even fresh fish. The only thing one needs to be watchful about, is the prices. Make sure you get bargaining tips from someone who knows the area well. Begum Bazaar opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m.
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If you are looking to buy unique pieces of jewellery made from genuine and cultured pearls, Pot Bazaar is the perfect stop for you. Some of the better-known shops include Arihant Pearls, Manyang Jewellers and Jagadamba Pearls. But do bear in mind that the market charges its share of the premium for its unique designs and genuine pearls, so you will find prices a tad bit steep as compared to other places. This is also a good place to shop for clothes as the market is dotted with boutiques and emporiums. Pot market opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. giving you a good twelve-hour window to fill your shopping bags.
The Pattherghaati road is perhaps the most famous of all markets in Hyderabad. Next to the Madina market, this entire street is bustling with dozens of pearl shops. You will find the largest variety of pearls in Pattherghaati and also a chance to bargain as much as you can. The price range of jewellery starts at Rs. 100 and goes up to Rs. 10,000. It is a good idea to go shopping with a local to avail the most mouth-watering deals and discounts. You could also visit Krishna Pearl Dealers in this area for some exclusive jewellery. The market is open from 10:30 a.m. and closes at 8:30 p.m.
The other place that lets you shop for pearls to your heart’s content is Basheer Bagh. The market offers an eclectic mix of shops, ranging from wholesalers to big showrooms. Situated near Abids and Nampally, the market has a large variety of jewellery on offer. Meena Jewelers in Babukhan Estate is a wholesale shop you must visit in case you’re looking for saltwater pearls. Treat your eyes with 'Satlads'—seven-string pearl necklaces, made from pearls and other semi-precious stones. The market opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m.
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Neha Singhal | on 15 December 2018
Totally agree with Tanya Ma'am, Pearl shopping was integral part of my recent Hyderabad visit and yes as per this blog post I had visited many areas to score good pearls. In my experience there are very few good stores in old city like Modi Pearls, who's price and qualities worked out for me. The Punjagutta and Secunderabad area is undoubtedly great but I was able to find same quality pearls at almost seventy percent less cost near Patthergatti/Charminar area at Modi's. I strongly suggest everyone not to go with any Localities/Drivers/Guides in this matter as almost all of them are commission agents including the security guards at Charminar. Be aware and trust in your own instincts. Thank you for all the valuable information shared here.
Ankit Agarwal | on 15 November 2018
i agree with Sudheerji. My visit to hyderabad was very event full me and my family had a good time and we enjoyed the food and pearl shopping. we first visited the obvious choice in charminar old part of the city and a similar experiences like people above it was full of cheating and fake pearls. one localite directed us to panjagutta area which is suppose to the biggest jewellery market in south india. we went to store called Krishna pearls and jewellers who supposedly has 18 stores in hyderabad and one the biggest names in pearls. which turned out to be The place to shop for pearls as there quality, price and range of product is unmatchable. So my recommendation to all the travelers to hyderabad is do visit the store and have a happy and safe shopping pearl experience.
Tanya Mundada | on 16 September 2018
I personally found Modi Pearls of Charminar which is also known as government authorised store to be matching my design taste and also in terms of price to value ratio, I can say Modi Pearls is best pearl shop in Hyderabad city . I visited many pearl stores across both old and new city in HYD including the branded ones and few of which are termed as government authorised pearl shop in Hyderabad.
Yogesh Agarwal | on 18 August 2018
Hyderabad is famous for Pearls among all other gemstones. It is obvious that with the growing tourism, the pearl business have also been heavily boosted which gave a rise to many dealers across Hyderabad. The benefit of tourist customers give them an opportunity to sell cheap quality but like in any market, there are few reputed dealers who are dealing in pearls from back in 1900's. First and foremost is Modi Pearls which is located at Centre of Heritage Old City and on route to Charminar, I've came across various online references and also been into the shop myself and combined you can say that you will get the best prices and genuine quality to purchase here.
Raghu SBI | on 16 July 2018
Interesting!! Mr. Sudheer seems to have spoken my mind. I was shown golden colour shell pearls and was told that they are the best and finest quality freshwater pearls. I know a little bit about pearls and as soon as checked the drilling (holes made to knit pearls), i understood that they are faux/plastic pearls. I told the seller in his face, that they are plastic, he was surprised, shocked rather!!! He apologized and started taking out pearls but i refused to look at them and walked away. That's not business, that's cheating. My friend's sister got lot of stuff for 4000 rupees in Charminar and finally, they turned out to be plastic too. Pathetic business tactics. One online search showed me a genuine real Hyderabad pearl seller based out of Chennai. I trust them more than these shop keepers in Hyderabad.