Jaipur: The Gemstones City
India is a country that is known for its rich culture, history, and tradition. One of the most treasured trades of India is its gemstone industry. Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, is a hub for gemstones and jewelry making. The city's gemstone market is renowned worldwide for not just its exquisite craftsmanship and rare gemstones but also for the fact that there is something for everyone here. From lush green emeralds, and dazzling rubies, or a rainbow of sapphires if that’s what you are looking for. We have got them all!
In this guide, we will explore the alluring heritage that makes up the world-renowned Jaipur gemstone market.
History of Jaipur and Gemstones
The history of Jaipur and its gemstones run back to the 18th century when Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II founded the city of Jaipur and laid its royal corridors. The Maharaja was a patron of the arts and sciences and naturally, was keen on promoting the gemstone industry in Jaipur. He invited skilled artisans and craftsmen from around the country to set up workshops in his new city.
Jaipur's gemstone market grew rapidly, and the city became a hub for gemstone processing and trading. The gemstones were mined from different parts of India and brought to Jaipur for cutting, polishing, and shaping. The city's craftsmen were skilled in cutting and polishing and producing only the finest of sparkling gems.
The Maharaja was also responsible for establishing the Jaipur School of Art, which provided training to young artists and craftsmen in the city. The school played a crucial role in the development of the gemstone industry in Jaipur.
Jaipur’s Gemstone Today
Today, Jaipur is a front runner when it comes to gemstone trading and jewelry making. From colorful beads and poetic carvings, to the awe-inspiring complexity of faceted gemstones, we do it like no one else. Jaipur's craftsmen are skilled in cutting and polishing a variety of gemstones, including diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, among others.
The gemstones that come in, travel from far and wide- South Africa, Russia, and Australia, you name it! The gemstones are brought to Jaipur for cutting, polishing, and shaping, and we know how to do it best. The craftsmen here, use traditional techniques to cut and polish the gemstones, but we are not far from the technological advances that the world sees today. We have state of the art machinery as well to lend a hand to our all-able artisans.
Jaipur’s Gemstone Market
The Jaipur gemstone market is a bustling and filled with shops selling a variety of gemstones and jewelry. The market is located in the heart of the old city and is easily accessibley. The market is open seven days a week and is crowded with tourists and locals alike.
The market is divided into countless sections, each specializing in a particular type or form of gemstone. Johari Bazaar is the most famous section of the market, and it specializes in selling precious and semi-precious gemstones. The section is also home to some of the city's most renowned jewelers who have nothing short of masterpieces to offer.
The market also has a section that specializes in selling diamonds, another that specializes in selling rubies, and another in emeralds. The market also has shops that sell antique jewelry, which is a specialty of the city. Silver and handcrafted ornaments are some other beauties that the market prides itself with.
Exploring the Gemstone Market
Exploring the Jaipur gemstone market is an experience that should not be missed. The market is a maze of narrow lanes and alleys, each filled with shops selling a variety of gemstones and jewelry. The shops are decorated with colorful displays of gemstones, which are sure to catch the eye of any passer-by.
Visitors can also watch the craftsmen at work, cutting and polishing the gemstones. The craftsmen use traditional techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. Watching them work is a mesmerizing experience that gives you a glimpse into the rich tradition of gemstone cutting in the royal Pink city.
