5 Shopping Experiences in Jaipur You Must Have

It was the magic of Jaipur that was behind jeweller Charlotte Blakeney’s first By Charlotte collection, Lotus. A range of fine gold pieces with intricate detailing, the collection launched the label into wild success. With her first trip just five years ago, Blakeney continues to visit the northern Indian city for inspiration. “When it comes to shopping in India, Jaipur is the city to visit,” Blakeney says. Here, she tells us all her Jaipur shopping secrets.

Best for accessories

“I love wondering around the Old Town of Jaipur. There are so many amazing hand-dyed scarves, traditional jutti leather slippers and gorgeous saris. The use of colour and design really captures my heart.”

Best for jewellery

“Jaipur’s famous jewellery market, Johari Bazaar, is an absolute must to visit. The markets have a lively and hectic ambience – I would definitely suggest visiting in the morning to avoid the crowds. The roads are filled with shops selling gold, silver, diamonds and precious gems. My favourite stores to visit are The Gem Palace and Jewels Emporium. They have the most exquisite jewels to select from and can custom-make a piece for you. I purchased a ring from the Gem Palace – a gorgeous multifaceted green amethyst set in an intricately designed 14-carat gold setting. It is a piece I wear every day.”

The Gem Palace: Shop No.348, Mirza Ismail Road, Jaipur
Jewels Emporium: Mirza Ismail Road, Jayanti Market, Ashok Nagar, Jaipur

Best for high-end

“Hot Pink is Jaipur’s chicest boutique, founded by [the late jeweller] Munnu Kasliwal of Gem Palace and gorgeous French jewellery designer Marie-Hélène de Taillac. Hot Pink carries a wide selection of clothing, accessories and homewares from local designers.”

Hot Pink: 26, Hotel Narain Niwas Palace, Narayan Singh Road, Rambagh, Jaipur

Best for homewares

“India is well known for mother-of-pearl inlay furniture. I have so many amazing pieces in my home that I have purchased from India. Saurashtra Impex is a great place to find vintage homewares and embroideries.”

Saurashtra Impex: Shop No 7-8, Inside Jorawar Singh Gate, opposite Ayurveda College, Amber Road, Jaipur

Best for a souvenir

“The Sardar Market is such an incredible place to hunt for special and unique treasures. Every time I go, I get lost for hours wandering the streets and alleys looking at the hand-embroidered leather jutti, shawls and pottery.”