Hyderabadi artisans mastered specialized techniques such as drilling, bleaching, sorting and stringing pearls that transformed the raw import into highly sought-after jewellery. | Photo credit: NAGARA GOPAL
Hyderabad’s centuries-old heritage in pearl craftsmanship has come forward and now a formal application has been made for a Geographical Indication (GI) designation for Hyderabad pearls.
According to an official confirmation dated November 8, 2025, issued by the Registrar of Geographical Indications, Chennai, the application was submitted by Subhajit Saha, a GI Practitioner. The application lists “Hyderabad Pearls” as the proposed name of the geographical indication. The submission was made with the support of the Commissioner of Industries, Government of Telangana, along with the Telugu Pearl Merchants Association and The Hyderabad Secunderabad Pearls Association, who were listed as official applicants for the product.
Hyderabad’s reputation as the “City of Pearls” is rooted in its history under the Qutb Shahi and Nizam dynasties, who imported natural pearls from the Arabian Gulf, particularly Basra, and developed a thriving pearl industry. Artisans across Charminar, Laad Bazaar and Pathergatti have mastered specialized techniques such as drilling, bleaching, sorting and stringing pearls, transforming raw imports into highly sought-after jewellery.
Although the availability of natural pearls has declined globally, Hyderabad has maintained its position through the expertise of cultured freshwater pearls, rice pearls and hybrids sourced from Japan, China and Sri Lanka. The GI mark is expected to protect these artisanal practices from being diluted by mass-produced imitations and reaffirm the city’s identity as a major jewelry center.
Speaking on the development, Mr. Saha said, “Hyderabad Pearls are more than jewellery, they are a testament to centuries of craftsmanship and cultural exchange. The GI brand will ensure that this heritage is preserved, protected and celebrated across the world.”
Once granted GI status, it is expected to boost market credibility, provide livelihood to artisan communities, attract investment and strengthen Telangana’s growing portfolio of protected indigenous products, following on the heels of the recent GI award for Hyderabad Lac Bangles.
Published – 18 Nov 2025 20:22 IST
