As a child, I used to wonder why Hyderabad was called the City of Pearls and not, say, the City of Biryani, which felt far more self-explanatory. I was told it was because pearls were found here, but that answer never quite sat right. Cities don’t earn their names by accident. They earn them through what they choose to value, preserve and wear forward.
Hyderabad is the City of Pearls because jewellery has long been central to how the city understands culture, status and selfhood. That sensibility can be traced to its royal past. Under the Nizams, Hyderabad grew into one of the most opulent princely states in India, where jewellery was not an accessory but a language. Influenced by Persian elegance, Mughal intricacy and Deccan aesthetics, jewellery in Hyderabad developed its own rich and layered vocabulary.
Pearls, in particular, were revered. Trade flourished, craftsmanship deepened, and adornment became a marker of refinement. The legacy of that world still shapes jewellery in Hyderabad today. Bridal gold jewellery carries this inheritance forward with pieces like the satlada remaining central to wedding attire, not as relics, but as living symbols passed through families.
That history doesn’t exist only in museums or heirloom boxes. It lives most vividly in the old city. Long before contemporary showrooms arrived, the lanes around Charminar shaped how Hyderabad bought, wore and understood jewellery, and they continue to do so. From pearl strands and chaandbalis in Charminar Bazaar to lac bangles in Laad Bazaar and long-standing pearl jewellers in Patthar Gatti, these are the shops that have dressed the same families for generations.
Today, that inheritance extends beyond the old city, carried forward by legacy houses and newer names alike, but its roots remain unmistakably Hyderabadi.
Today, that inheritance extends beyond the old city, carried forward by legacy houses and newer names alike, but its roots remain unmistakably Hyderabadi.
P Satyanarayan Sons
Established in 1949, P Satyanarayan Sons is one of Hyderabad’s most respected legacy jewellers, offering a wide selection of gold and diamond jewellery, with an emphasis on well-crafted, BIS-hallmarked pieces that balance tradition with contemporary appeal. With decades of reliable service behind it, this is the place to go for timeless designs meant for long-term wear.
Mohammed Khan Jewellers
A trusted name in Hyderabad’s jewellery landscape since 1985, Mohammed Khan Jewellers is known for its fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. The store offers a wide range of jewellery from gold and diamond pieces to bridal and silver designs, and is particularly valued for its customisation services. Ask about bespoke work, particularly how existing designs can be adapted for different occasions without losing their original character.
Sri Jagdamba Pearls
With roots tracing back to the Nizam era, Jagdamba Pearls is known for its classic pearl strands and traditional designs. It has also evolved to meet contemporary tastes, offering gold, diamond and gemstone pieces alongside its signature pearls. Collections like Ira reflect a more minimal, modern aesthetic, while premium ranges cater to special occasions and heirloom buys. Take the time to understand their pearl quality and explore both classic strands and more contemporary designs before deciding.
Totaram & Sons Jewellers
With roots in the heart of the city, Totaram & Sons Jewellers has long been associated with ceremonial gold jewellery that carries cultural weight. Located on Abids Road, the store is especially known for traditional South Indian forms—from elaborate gold necklaces to vaddanams and heirloom-style pieces often chosen for weddings and significant family occasions. Totaram’s strength lies in jewellery designed not just to be worn once, but to be passed down. When shopping here, focus on classic gold designs and statement pieces.
Lalitha Jewellers
A popular name among Hyderabad’s shoppers, Lalitha Jewellers is known for its transparent pricing and customer-first approach to buying gold. The store has built its reputation around low wastage charges and competitive manufacturing prices, making it a go-to for buyers who value clarity and affordability. It was also among the early adopters of hallmarking, reinforcing trust in gold purity. Take a moment to compare designs across collections, and don’t hesitate to ask about wastage; it’s part of how shoppers get the best value here.
