Best Jewelry Markets in India: From Jaipur’s Johari Bazaar to Delhi’s Dariba Kalan, Where to Buy Authentic Jewelry at the Best Price.

India has some of the world’s oldest and busiest jewelry markets. Each city has a specialty — Jaipur for colored stones and Kundan, Surat for diamonds, Hyderabad for pearls and bangles, Delhi for antique silver and Polki. Knowing which market to visit and what to ask for can save you thousands and reduce risk. This guide points to the best markets across India, explains what each is good for, and gives practical checks to buy authentic jewelry at the best price.

Jaipur — Johari Bazaar: Gemstones, Kundan and Meenakari

Johari Bazaar is the gemstone and traditional-jewellery hub. Shops sell loose rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and finished Kundan-meenakari pieces. Buy loose stones here if you want to cut or set them later. Expect most gold jewellery to be 22K (stamped 916), which suits Kundan and heavy bridal styles.

• What to check: For sapphires and rubies ask about treatments — heating is common and should be disclosed. For emeralds, ask whether they are oiled. A treated emerald is worth far less than an untreated one of the same size.
• Sizing and specs: Gem sizes are given in carats (ct) — a 1.00 ct sapphire has a very different price than a 0.50 ct. If buying stones to set, note dimensions in millimetres (for example, 6.5 mm round ≈ 1.00 ct).
• Price tip: Johari usually undercuts metro boutiques on making charges and gemstone markup. Still demand a written certificate for any “high-value” stone (>1 ct) from a recognized lab or a trustworthy local gemologist.

Delhi — Dariba Kalan and Chandni Chowk: Polki, Antique Silver, and Bridal Sets

Dariba Kalan and the lanes around Chandni Chowk serve buyers looking for antique-style silver, Polki (uncut diamonds), and heavy bridal gold. Dariba Kalan is also known for silversmiths who can repair or custom-make pieces.

• What to expect: Polki jewellery is usually set in 22K gold; the stones are uncut and often unset — inspect closely for glue or unstable settings. Silver should carry a 925 (sterling) or purity mark.
• Authenticity: Ask for an invoice with metal weight (in grams) and making charges. Antique-looking pieces may be intentionally aged; ask if patina is original or applied.

Mumbai — Zaveri Bazaar: Trusted Houses and Diamond Jewellery

Zaveri Bazaar is Mumbai’s historic jewelry district. You’ll find both long-established houses and small workshops. It’s a good place for diamond-set bridal jewellery and trusted brand showrooms.

• Diamonds: Always ask for a certificate for stones over 0.30–0.50 ct — GIA/IGI grading reports are preferred. Prices are quoted per carat and depend on the 4 Cs: carat, cut, color, clarity.
• Buying tip: In city markets you pay higher overheads. Negotiate making charges first; metal rates (gold per gram) are usually fixed to the day’s price.

Surat — Diamond Cutting and Wholesale Pricing

Surat is the world’s largest diamond-cutting center. If you want the best deal on diamonds or diamond-studded jewelry, wholesale Surat can beat retail prices — but you must be careful.

• Precise specs: Buy diamonds with proper certification. Example: a 1.00 ct round brilliant, G–H color, VS2 clarity will be priced very differently to a 1.00 ct SI2, I–J color stone. The certificate tells you which.
• Risk and reward: Lower prices come from buying direct from cutters. Insist on the certificate and a return window. If buying online from Surat suppliers, request secure escrow and documented delivery.

Hyderabad — Charminar & Laad Bazaar: Pearls, Bangles, and Lac

Hyderabad is famous for pearls and Laad Bazaar for lacquer bangles, bridal jewellery, and traditional designs. Pearl sellers here stock everything from small cultured Akoya to large South Sea pearls.

• Pearl sizing: Measured in millimetres — example: Akoya 6–7 mm, Freshwater 7–9 mm, South Sea 9–12 mm. Larger, rounder pearls are significantly more valuable.
• Testing: Ask if pearls are natural, cultured, or treated. A reputable seller will provide a certificate for South Sea or Tahitian pearls.

Chennai — T. Nagar: South Indian Temple Jewellery

T. Nagar is the go-to for heavy South Indian gold and temple-style jewellery. Expect large pendants, long haram necklaces in 22K gold, and elaborate bridal sets.

• Metal: Most temple jewellery uses 22K gold for the rich yellow tone and traditional appearance. If you prefer lighter alloyed gold (18K), confirm stamp 750.
• Making charges: These pieces are labor-intensive. Making charges can range widely; compare similar pieces by weight and workmanship.

Kolkata — Burrabazar: Wholesale and Bulk Buying

Burrabazar is a wholesale hub for small retailers and designers. If you buy in volume or want simple, cost-effective designs, this market gives good margins.

• Who it suits: Retailers, brides buying multiple sets, and designers sourcing parts. Less useful if you want certified gemstones or branded warranties.

Smart buying checklist — How to avoid mistakes and get the best price

• Check the hallmark: Look for BIS hallmark marks — 916 for 22K, 750 for 18K, 999 for 24K. This confirms metal purity.
• Get a proper invoice: It must show metal weight (grams), making charges, gold rate used, GST registration and invoice with shop GST number. Keep it for resale or insurance.
• Ask about certificates: Diamonds >0.30–0.50 ct should have GIA/IGI; colored stones should have a gem lab report if >1 ct or high value. For pearls, get a seller declaration or lab report for South Sea/Tahitian pearls.
• Weigh in-store: Ask for the piece to be weighed on the shop scale in your presence. Note gross weight, net weight of gold, and stone weight in carats.
• Negotiate making charges, not metal price: Metal prices follow a market rate. Making charges are negotiable and often where you save the most.
• Ask about returns, resizing, and buy-back: Get these policies in writing. Many trusted shops offer free resizing within a limited period.
• Know basic marks: 22K = 91.6% (~916), 18K = 75% (~750). Silver sterling = 925. These marks are quick sanity checks.
• Be cautious with very low offers: If a “solid gold” piece is hugely cheaper, it could be plated. Ask for tests like electronic gold testers or an XRF report for high-value buys.
• Travel and safety: Visit during daytime, shop in established stores, and carry ID for large transactions (shops may ask for PAN for big purchases).

Each market has strengths. Choose Jaipur for gemstones and traditional Rajasthani work, Surat for diamonds at factory prices, Delhi for antique and Polki, Hyderabad for pearls and bangles, and Mumbai or Chennai for bridal and branded trust. Use the checklist above, insist on hallmarking and certificates, and you’ll get authentic jewellery at a fair price.