| The two famous cities of Andhra Pradesh | | | | there is no sea anywhere near the city. Yet it has |
| Hyderabad and Secunderabad are known as twin | | | | become almost synonymous with quality pearls. |
| cities of India.During the glorious era of the | | | | Jewelers in the pearl markets of Hyderabad have |
| Nizams, pearls of various types were showered | | | | for centuries combined pearls with the glitter of |
| on the subjects by their patrons. Similarly, the | | | | gold, the richness of rubies and the ecstasy of |
| kings received choice pearls as 'nazranas' or gifts, | | | | emeralds. It is indeed amazing and heartwarming |
| especially the Asif Jahis and the Qutub Shahis - | | | | to see traditional designs still surviving the march |
| The two dynasties that permanently set the pearl | | | | of history in the narrow alleys of the Old City |
| on Indian ornamental history. | | | | today. |
| The main shopping areas in Huderabad are Abids, | | | | The areas surrounding Charminar like 'Char kaman' |
| Basheerbagh, Nampally and Sultan Bazar and MG | | | | and 'Mitti-ka-sher' are famous for antique kundan |
| Road, Rashtrapati Road in Secunderbad. The | | | | and enamel jewellery, temple sarees, old bidri and |
| markets around Charminar are famous for | | | | silver, crystal and pearls. "Darushafa" is famous |
| bangles and pearls. Hyderabad is synonymous with | | | | for the tissue-thin silver leaf that decorates Indian |
| pearls. Cultured pearls studded in gold and silver | | | | sweetmeats, and bidri ware. The appliquéd |
| jewellery of exquisite design are a specialty of | | | | patchwork skirts, bags and belts, set with |
| hyderabad jewellery. Pearls come in many shapes | | | | sparkling mirror and tiny beads of the Banjara |
| and of particular interest is the 'rice-pearl' - a tiny | | | | gypsies; Nirmal lacquer ware, ornate brass from |
| variety. The precious "Basra"- a pearl unmatched | | | | Pembarthi, Kondapalli carved toys, leather puppets |
| in lustre, colour and price and is available in | | | | and Warangal carpets combine to make |
| selected stores. Pearls are sold in strings or raw | | | | Hyderabad, truly a shopper's paradise. |
| by weight. | | | | The pearl markets of the city also offer unlimited |
| Hyderabad is also known as the city of pearls. | | | | varieties of chokers and lockets. The last few |
| The pearl market is situated near Charminar. | | | | decades have witnessed a gradual influence of |
| Ornaments made with Rice Pearls can be bought | | | | western designs on the Hyderabadi pearl market. |
| from Char Kaman or the General Bazaar | | | | However, the City of Pearls has retained it's |
| Market.People form everywhere flock here to | | | | luster. |
| possess a few of these pearls. Strange that | | | | |