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HYDERABAADI PEARLS

Hyderabad is bound to be a top of the mind recall for one and all at the instance of Pearls. With a luster that recalls the mystery of the moon, a texture with the smoothness of water itself and whiteness that is pure and eternal, Pearls stand on par with Charminar in being the chief claim for the City’s International fame.

Inspite of it not being a coastal area nor being near one, Hyderabad owes its abundance of rare pearls to the 400 years grandeur of rich culture. The royal reign of both the Qutub Shahi rulers and the Nizams patronised the trade of pearls in a big way inviting craftsmen involved in pearl culture from all over the world especially from the middle east.

The Asaf Jahi Nizams are known to have used ropes of pearls studded with diamond as a part of state regalia. This apart they also used the paste of crushed pearls as beauty aids. The princesses were covered with pearls and weighed against pearls on their birthdays. Osman Ali, the richest of the Nizams is also known to have stored pearls and diamonds in sacks. Pearls were once imported from Basra, but Japan chiefly supplies the raw material now. The art of matching, stringing and setting of pearls to create exquisite articles of jewelry has been perfected by the artisans of Hyderabad from the days of Yore.

• One of the oldest exquisite designs is the 'Satlara', a necklace with seven strings of pearls, interspersed with emeralds and onyx beads set in nine-carat gold, that is usually worn with 'Karanphool' earrings beset with uncut diamonds and pearls.

• Pearl chokers of five strings interspersed with three gold pendants set with rubies and emeralds, called the 'Gulubund chokers’ were also popular. These chokers were worn with 'Cholaphool' earrings.

• The 'Nagaram', an elaborate pendant made of Kundan work is also worn attached to the necklace of five pearl strings.

Pattar Gatti and Lad bazaar are the oldest commercial areas in the twin cities where pearls can be transacted. Some pearl stores are even more than a century old. A lesser-known fact is that in Chandanpet (a few kilometers outside the city) is housed an entire population engaged in the delicate art of drilling pearls. Deservedly, Hyderabad today has become the largest pearl center of India.

Apart from these, areas like Abids and Basheerbagh are loaded with pearl shops. Hyderabad is a one-stop-destination for the rare, luminescent, soft, teardrop pearls.

From cultured pearls to the rare Basra, the city has all of them. The city has pearl stores spread literally across every nook and corner of the city with the pearls priced anywhere between Rs.10 to Rs.2000 per gram. And if you are good at bargaining Hyderabad is the place to be in for shopping pearls.