Trading district
Jaipur walled city (Johari Bazaar)
Jaipur, India
One of the world's main centres for cutting coloured stones, concentrated in the walled city around Johari Bazaar and Gopalji ka Rasta, where a jewellers' quarter was set out when the city was planned in 1727. Emerald cutting grew into a major industry in the 20th century.
Jaipur is one of the world's main centres for cutting coloured stones. When Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II laid out his new capital in 1727 he set aside streets for jewellers and invited craftsmen to settle there, and the trade has stayed in the walled "Pink City" ever since, around Johari Bazaar ("jewellers' market") and the narrow lanes behind it, such as Gopalji ka Rasta.
What you find
Coloured stones of every kind, cut, carved and as beads; emerald above all, a major industry here since the 20th century, alongside ruby, sapphire, tanzanite, garnet and many others. Jaipur is also known for traditional jewellery techniques such as kundan setting and meenakari enamel, and for calibrated stones cut in large quantities for the jewellery industry.
How trading works
Wholesale trading happens in offices and workshops off the bazaar streets, and in informal street gatherings where brokers bring parcels to buyers. Retail jewellery shops line the main road. The Jaipur Jewellery Show in December is the main trade event, and the Gem Testing Laboratory of Jaipur, run by the Jaipur jewellers' association, is one of India's longest-established gem labs.
Visiting and buying safely
- Touts may approach visitors with offers to "export gems for profit": a known scam. Trade only with businesses you have checked.
- Oiled and resin-filled emeralds are normal in the trade; ask what was used and get it in writing.
- Calibrated parcels are sold by weight and size: check sizes with your own gauge.
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