Hyderabad got itself the sobriquet “City of Pearls” which made it a one stop destination for all pearl needs. After a 200 year old regime that celebrated craftsmanship and an outlandish lifestyle, the city is now a modern day hub that attracts thousands of people to its gleaming pearl market.
The Nizams and their pearls
Pearl trading was greatly favored by the Nizams and the Qutb Shahi rulers who had the main role in bringing the world’s pearls to our city. The wealth amassed during the 200 year old reign of the Nizams and their patronage of the gem attracted gulf traders. Initially pearls were imported from Basra in the Persian gulf. The royalty adorned pearls in both clothing and beauty and this boosted its popularity among the masses. Their empirical reign and penchant for artistry made Hyderabad the pearl capital for years to come.
Hyderabad- the Pearl hub
Hyderabad is a market for three types of pearls. They are natural, cultured and semi-cultured. Natural pearls are formed by the oysters in the sea. Cultured pearls are also real and natural; they are formed inside an oyster through artificial methods. Pearls that are sold in the market are all cultured pearls. Semi-cultured pearls are machine made and come in various shapes and colors that go into making an assortment of jewelry. From diamond and pearl necklaces to bracelets and even body scrubs- pearls are everywhere.. and so is Hyderabad. Although it is 300 kms from the sea, Hyderabad has a huge pearl industry with a massive economic turnover.
Your one stop destination
The city is mushroomed with pearl shops- some of them over a century old. There will never be any trouble to look for the best deals in the city so grab a souvenir on your next visit to the city of nizams. Be a bargain prowess as there is a world of interesting jewelry to explore in the fascinating markets like General bazaar, Laad Bazaar among many others.
As the city shows an ever increasing influx of tourists, spellbound by the rich offering of this beautiful city, we hope you make the much awaited trip soon- it’s a treasure of a city, literally.
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