| The
lustrous Pearl History |
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The Pearl Culture of Hyderabad
Who hasn't heard of the soft, rounded, lustrous, tear drop pearl of
Hyderabad? People form everywhere flock
here to possess a few of these pearls. Strange that there is no sea anywhere
near the city. Yet it has become almost synonymous with quality pearls. Well,
read on the pearl story .....
Hyderabad was a princely state and a very rich one too!
The royal patronage ensured flourishing of arts, crafts and cuisine. The
affluent lifestyle beckoned many a craftsman from distant parts of the world, especially the
Arabian Gulf where the rare original pearls are found in abundance. Hence, Hyderabad
became the one-stop-destination for pearls. There is an entire street which only comprises
of pearl shops named - Patther Gatti.
The Pearl in Hyderabad
Today
Jewelers in the pearl markets of Hyderabad have for centuries combined pearls with the
glitter of gold, the richness of rubies and the ecstasy of emeralds. It is indeed amazing and heartwarming to see traditional designs
still surviving the march of history in the narrow alleys of the Old City today.
Several styles of ornaments using pearls evolved along with the pearl trade. The 'Satlada' and 'Panchlada Haar' are seven and five stringed necklaces. They are often interspersed with emeralds or onyx beads set in nine carat gold. Earrings such as 'Karanphool' and 'Cholaphool', set with uncut diamonds and pearls, are also very
popular among the ladies of the city. The pearl markets of the city also offer unlimited
varieties of chokers and lockets. The last few decades have witnessed a gradual influence of western designs
on the Hyderabadi pearl market. However, the City of Pearls has retained it's luster...
The Bangle Bazaar
In the land of beautiful women, beautiful poetry,
beautiful cuisine and beautiful pearls, add one more to the beautiful string,
i.e. the breathtaking bangles. Down the centuries, the lure of bangles still
draws
millions of women who love to adorn their arms with a dazzling set of Hyderabadi bangles.
There are about 450 shops flanking either side of the world famous Charminar with around
2,500 craftsmen molding their magic around your arms.
Check out the section
on Pearls in the Specialty Shopping Section in Leisure on HYDonline
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