Pretty In Pink Jaipur Jewellery

Trendylicious travelled to the Pink City for a special instalment of Diamonds in the Rough, our occasional hunts for the best jewellery and accessories. Jaipur’s beautiful baubles blow away the jewellery selection in big cities, so how do you choose? We bargained for everything from huge, loose semi-precious stones to kundan and meenakari. (Click for our earlier Bandra/Khar and Townside hunts.)

First stop: G. V. Gems & Handicrafts. This narrow jewellery store in bustling Johari Bazar stands out for unique, quality wares. Just be sure to bargain hard!
Diamond: Elephant-motif meena bangles, contemporary silver studs and chunky cocktail rings.
42 Johari Bazar, 302003. Telephone: (141) 2566439.
Price: From Rs. 500 (earrings/rings) to Rs. 4,000 (larger silver sets).

Next stop: Sanjeev Gems. This wholesale dealer of semi-precious stones sells retail to private clients. Schedule an appointment in advance and get more than your money’s worth.
Diamond: Mix and match your favourite strands of citrine, pink tourmaline, smoky topaz and sapphire. And lots of orangey carnelian, the hot colour for this spring.
1276 Khowalon Ka Chowk, Gopal Ji Ka Rasta, Johari Bazar, 302003. Telelphone: 141 2567310.
Price: From Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000 (gemstone necklaces).

Last: Gem Palace. This institution’s jewellery shows at exhibits at the New York Metropolitan Museum and their by-appointment outpost at The Courtyard in Mumbai. For a better selection still, head straight to this stunning Jaipur landmark.
Diamond: Exquisitely crafted traditional and Russian-styled pieces, as well as loose stones.
MI Road, 302003. Telephone: 141 237 4175.
Price: From Rs. 2,500 (single strand necklaces) to Rs. 50,000 (exclusive pieces).

Our trendy tips: Be creative and ask shop keepers to string stones to suit your style. And to score sterling silver, always check for the “92.5″ engraved label so you know it’s the real deal.