Whether they're pearl drop earrings or the classic string of pearls, every bride wishes to add a set of pearls in her trousseau. Brides today are free to choose from a wide range of jewellery for their weddings and there are the usual royal rani haars and then there are chokers and chaandbalis. But the one piece of element commonly present in every piece of jewellery is pearls. Pearls are encrusted into large or dainty polki and kundan sets or used to make lavish panchladas and satladas. In fact, some brides also choose to go in for just pure pearls strings to match their outfits. 

However, fine pearls are one the least understood and most niche gemstones in the colossal world of fine jewellery. And sometimes, even professional jewellers can face obstacles while identifying pearl size, grading scales and pearl value. Honestly, it's not surprising at all that there are a number of questions that need to be answered before you take a plunge into the glorious world of this lustrous piece of finery. 

So, whether you're about to purchase your first set of pearls, or getting another one, it's important to educate yourself about pearls, their types, colours, quality and most importantly, where to buy them. 

 

Pearl Jewellery 101: Types And Top Sellers In India

Types Of Pearls

Listen up brides, it's time for some 'pearlescent' education! You've probably noticed that pearls have slightly different tones of white and that they come in other colours like pink, grey, and blue, too. Before you go about investing a pair of pearls as part of your bridal ensemble, you need to understand the types of pearls and how they differ in quality from one another. 

Pearls can be found naturally or cultured in controlled environments. Since natural pearls are hard to find and very expensive raw material, jewellers rely on cultured pearls. In fact, the demand for pearls is so high that the pearl culture industry has been booming since its reception.

Pearls are broadly classified into the following types:

Akoya Pearls

For almost 100 years, Akoya pearls have been grown off the coast of Japan. They're saltwater pearls that are considered the classic pearl of choice. In fact, when you picture the perfect strand of round, white pearls, you're thinking about Akoya pearls. They're known for their perfectly round shape and sharp, reflective lustre. While there are some exceptions, Akoya pearls are generally produced in the size range of 4mm to 10mm. So brides, if you're looking for a classic strand of round white pearls, you'll want to purchase the Akoya pearls. 

Tahitian Pearls

Also known as dark and exotic pearls, Tahitian pearls are saltwater cultured pearls. Tahitian pearls are grown in French Polynesia and are the only naturally occurring dark pearls. Although often referred to as black, Tahitian pearls come in a rainbow of exotic colours. Though often found in round shapes, Tahitian pearls also come fun shapes like drops, baroques, ovals etc. They come in a size range of 8mm to 15mm. Plus, since they're naturally dark in colour, these pearls are an excellent choice to add to your outfit to add a mystical, otherworldly charm. 

South Sea Pearls 

Known as the Rolls Royce of pearls, South Sea pearls are saltwater pearls grown in Australia, Phillippines and Indonesia. They range in colours from white to gold and are considered to be the largest saltwater pearls grown today, making them ideal for an OTT ensemble. They're very valuable due to their tremendous size, which easily ranges between 10mm-14mm. So, brides looking to assemble statement pieces for their wedding outfits, fetch yourself one of these strands. 

Freshwater Pearls

Meet the fashion-forward, cheaper, version of all pearls. Freshwater pearls are the most affordable pearls sold today. They're known for their baroque shape, white and pastel-coloured body and a softer lustre than Akoya. They come in a wide range of options, from various pastel colours to shapes that range from round to oval. The regular size of these pearls ranges from 5mm to 12mm. So, if you're looking for more affordable jewellery options, then these are the pearls you should opt for. 

Shell Pearls

Shell pearls or sea shell pearls, you should know, are not really pearls. Shell pearl jewellery is different from pearl jewellery. Shell Pearls are made from the inner lining of oyster shells, also known as Mother of Pearl. They vary in quality like most pearls but are much less expensive than saltwater pearls. Furthermore, industrial quality control ensures that these pearls don't lose their colour or lustre due to environmental factors, making them long-lasting and more durable than cultured and freshwater pearls.  And since they're inexpensive, they make a great option for jewellery for wedding functions!

Where Can You Buy The Best Pearl Jewellery In India?

Delhi

The hub for all things weddings, Delhi has a number of local as well as chain retailers of jewellery from where you can purchase pearl jewellery. While there are many markets like Chandni Chowk and Karol Bagh which are great for wedding shopping within a budget, there are certain jewellery houses that specialise in selling amazing quality of pearls. Here are the jewellers we assure you will give you only the best quality of pearl jewellery at hand:

1. Chandrani Pearls

Address: Shop No. D 14, Veer Savarkar Marg, Lajpat Nagar II, Central Market, Part II, Lajpat Nagar, Delhi 110024

Contact: 081307 84530

Price: Rs. 1000 & Above

2. Prakash Gems

Address:  Plot No. 1, Pandav Nagar, Patparganj Rd, opposite Mother Dairy Plant, Block D, New Delhi, Delhi 110092

Contact: 08071 681 894

Price: On Request

3. P.P. Jewellers

Address: 2700 Desh Bandhu Gupta Road, Near, Gurudwara Road Chowk, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, Delhi 110005

Contact: 011 4516 1050

Price: On Request

4. Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers

Address: D-21, Block D, Defence Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110024

Contact: 085859 71971

Price: On Request

Mumbai

One of India's biggest cities, Mumbai offers a number of jewellers from where you can buy pearl jewellery. Though spread across the entire island of Mumbai, these jewellers are one of the most sought after when it comes to purchasing top quality pearls. You can not only buy pieces that are ready-made with pearls in them or get them customised according to your will. Our advice is, while you're at it, splurge on some quality street shopping and some mouth-watering street food. Check out these jeweller shops for the best quality pearls in town:

1. D Popli & Sons

Address: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001

Contact: 022 2202 1694

Price: Rs 1000 & Above

2. Dhanraj Jewellers

Address: Jewel Arcade, Waterfield Road, Bandra West, Mumbai - 400050, Near Bhabha Hospital

Contact: 022 6696 3537

Price: On Request

3. Notandas & Sons

Address: 6, Mangal Darshan, Waterfield Road, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050

Contact: 022 2642 8616

Price: On Request

4. D.D. Pearls

Address: A/ 201, Poonam Galaxy, Phase 3, Mira Bhayandar Road, Bhayandar East, Thane - 401105, 

Contact: 098338 85772

Price: On Request

Hyderabad

The city of Nizams demands you to step into its streets and pick up at least a pair of beautiful pearls as a part of your wedding bucket list. If you're in Hyderabad, then the abundance of pearl markets isn't less. Unlike the other cities, Hyderabad is known for its pearls. And it’s been like this for centuries. Hyderabad, also famous for its lip-smacking biryani and the rich nawabs, has earned itself the sobriquet “The City of Pearls”. The city is teeming with famous markets like Begum Bazaar, Basheer Bagh, Laad Bazaar and Koti Sultan Bazaar that sell some of the most exquisite quality of pearls. Here are our top picks of jewellers:

1. Modi Pearls

Address: 22-5-92, Beside Gulzar Houz Circle, Charkaman, Road, near Charminar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002

Contact: 040 6680 6502

Price: On Request

2. Sri Jagdamba Pearls

Address:  L4/16, Next Galleria Mall Near Irrummanzil Metro Station, Irram Manzil Colony, Hyderabad, Telangana 500082

Contact: 099518 00065

Price: On Request

3. Krishna Pearls & Jewellers

Address: Ground Floor, G 38, Inorbit Mall, Hitech City, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081

Contact: 092480 36735

Price: On Request

4. Mangtrai

Address: Road no.2, Banjara Hills, Shangrila Plaza, opp. KBR Park, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034

Contact: 040 2355 5915

Price: On Request

Bangaluru

Known as the 'Silicon Balley of India', Bangaluru is not only the leading IT hub of the country but also a major attraction for tourists looking to indulge in some history and culture. From sightseeing, exploring museums, eating and drinking and of course shopping, the city is the perfect blend of old tradition and new technological advancements, offering a tonne of attractions to locals and tourists alike. Furthermore, Bangaluru has one of the most vibrant markets for wedding shopping. So brides in Bangaluru, check out these jewellers to purchase not only amazing pearls but also other kinds of jewellery in gold, diamond and silver!

1. Bhaskar Pearls

Address:  Sri Maruthi Complex, 8th Cross Rd, Next Girija silks & sarees, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560003

Contact: 080 2336 0201

Price: On Request

2. Vasudha Jewellers

Address: No 93, 127, Puttenahalli Rd, KR Layout, JP Nagar Phase 6, J. P. Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560078

Contact: 080 2654 2904

Price: On Request

3. Ambba Pearls & Jewellers

Address:  Sri, Sunder complex, #120, 30th Cross, 8th main, opp. Union bank, Vinayaka Temple Road, 4th Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560011

Contact: 099016 93814

Price: On Request

4. Sri Chamundi Jewels Pvt. Ltd. 

Address: Sharada Colony, KHB Colony, Basaveshwar Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560079

Contact: 080 2348 3727

Price: On Request

 

So, what are you waiting for? Go pick your favourite pearls and get ready to glow on your wedding day!

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