Buying Guides
Indian Cities Famous for Jewellery: A Region-by-Region Guide
India’s jewellery isn’t one tradition — it’s dozens, each rooted in a city or region. Jaipur is famous for kundan and meenakari, Hyderabad for pearls, Cuttack for silver filigree, and South India for temple jewellery — and that’s just the start. Here’s a region-by-region guide to where India’s signature styles come from, and what each place is known for.
The quick map
| City / Region | Famous for |
|---|---|
| Jaipur, Rajasthan | Kundan, meenakari (enamel), polki, coloured gemstones |
| Hyderabad, Telangana | Pearls (the “City of Pearls”), diamonds |
| Cuttack, Odisha | Silver filigree (Tarakashi) |
| Chennai / Tamil Nadu | Temple jewellery |
| Delhi & Moradabad, UP | Fashion & fine jewellery, export manufacturing |
| Kolkata, West Bengal | Fine goldsmithing, lightweight gold |
| Amritsar / Punjab | Jadau, traditional bridal sets |
| Pratapgarh, Rajasthan | Thewa (gold-on-glass art) |
| Nagaland & the North-East | Tribal beadwork and shell jewellery |
Jaipur — kundan, meenakari and gemstones
Jaipur, the Pink City, is one of India’s oldest and greatest jewellery centres. It’s celebrated for kundan (gemstones set in gold foil), meenakari (vivid enamel work, often on the reverse of a piece), polki (uncut diamonds) and coloured gemstones. The Johari and Tripolia bazaars are lined with handcrafted ornaments made by generations of karigars.
Hyderabad — the City of Pearls
Hyderabad has been at the heart of India’s pearl trade for centuries, earning the name “City of Pearls.” It’s famous for pearl and diamond jewellery, with the bustling Laad Bazaar near the Charminar the most storied place to buy. Pearls have long been woven into the city’s Nizami heritage — and, closer to home, they’re the soul of what we make (more in our freshwater pearl guide).
Cuttack — silver filigree (Tarakashi)
In Odisha, the city of Cuttack is renowned for Tarakashi, or silver filigree — an intricate craft of twisting and soldering fine silver wire into delicate, lace-like patterns. It’s some of the most painstaking metalwork in the country, used for everything from jewellery to decorative art.
South India — temple jewellery
Temple jewellery originated in South India to adorn temple deities and classical (Bharatanatyam) dancers. Made in rich gold tones with motifs of gods, goddesses, peacocks and lotuses, it’s a defining bridal and festive style across Tamil Nadu and the south. Chennai’s George Town is a well-known hub for traditional pieces.
The rest of the map
- Delhi & Moradabad — major centres for fashion and export jewellery manufacturing, feeding both Indian and overseas markets.
- Kolkata — famous for exceptionally fine, lightweight goldsmithing.
- Punjab (Amritsar) — jadau and grand traditional bridal sets.
- Pratapgarh, Rajasthan — Thewa, the rare art of fusing intricate gold work onto coloured glass.
- Nagaland & the North-East — striking tribal jewellery in beads, shells and metal.
How this shapes what we make
You don’t have to travel to wear these traditions. Modern artificial and anti-tarnish jewellery takes inspiration from all of them — kundan-style festive earrings, temple-inspired jhumkas, pearl pieces that nod to Hyderabad — and makes them affordable, skin-friendly and easy to wear every day. If you’re deciding what suits your outfit or occasion, our outfit-pairing guide is a good next read.
The bottom line
India’s jewellery map is astonishingly rich: kundan and meenakari from Jaipur, pearls from Hyderabad, filigree from Cuttack, temple gold from the south, and much more. Knowing where a style comes from makes wearing it more meaningful — and today, the best of these traditions is within reach in everyday, skin-friendly pieces.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Which Indian city is most famous for jewellery?
It depends on the style. Jaipur is the most famous for kundan, meenakari and gemstone jewellery; Hyderabad is the 'City of Pearls'; Cuttack is renowned for silver filigree; and South India (Chennai and Tamil Nadu) for temple jewellery.
Which city is called the City of Pearls?
Hyderabad. It has been a centre of the pearl trade for centuries and remains famous for pearl and diamond jewellery, with Laad Bazaar near Charminar the best-known market.
What is Jaipur famous for in jewellery?
Jaipur is one of India's oldest centres for kundan, meenakari (enamel work) and polki, as well as coloured gemstones. Its Johari and Tripolia bazaars are legendary for handcrafted ornaments.
What is silver filigree and where is it from?
Silver filigree is delicate lacework made by twisting fine silver wire into intricate patterns. In India it's most famous from Cuttack, Odisha, where it's known as Tarakashi.
What is temple jewellery?
Temple jewellery is a traditional South Indian style, originally made to adorn temple deities and classical dancers, featuring gold-toned pieces with motifs of gods, goddesses and nature. Tamil Nadu is its heartland.