Introduction: A City Built on Colour and Craft
They call it the Pink City, but Jaipur glows just as brilliantly in green.
From the palaces of Maharajas to the workshops of modern lapidaries, Jaipur has become the undisputed global hub for emerald cutting and trading. This city doesn’t just sell gemstones — it shapes them, celebrates them, and sets them into stories.
Every day, thousands of emeralds pass through Jaipur — from rough Colombian crystals to polished Zambian cabochons. If you own an emerald anywhere in the world, there’s a good chance it spent some part of its life here.
Why Jaipur?
📍 Location + Legacy
– Situated in Rajasthan, Jaipur is well-connected to Delhi, Mumbai, and international markets.
– Since the 1700s, it has been home to skilled artisans — gem cutters (panniwalas), setters, enamellers (meenakars), and goldsmiths (sonars).
– Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II encouraged gem and enamel craftsmanship, laying the foundation for today’s industry.
🌍 Global Trade Magnet
– Jaipur is known for cutting more emeralds than any other city in the world.
– It receives rough stones from Zambia, Colombia, Brazil, and Ethiopia, and transforms them into calibrated stones, beads, carvings, and luxury jewellery.
– Major global brands source, manufacture, and certify stones from Jaipur.
What Happens to Emeralds in Jaipur?
Emeralds come to Jaipur in rough lots, and from there:
1. Sorted by origin, clarity, and colour
2. Pre-formed into layouts — rounds, ovals, pears, custom cuts
3. Polished by skilled lapidaries using water-cooled tools
4. Checked for treatments — mostly oiled (cedarwood or synthetic)
5. Certified by labs (IGI, GIA, GLI, GTL)
6. Set into rings, earrings, necklaces, or sold as loose gems
Emerald Origins Common in Jaipur
| Origin | Notes |
| Zambia | Deep green, slightly bluish, highly sought for value |
| Colombia | Iconic rich green with silky clarity — premium market |
| Brazil | Lighter tone, often cleaner, ideal for bright jewellery |
| Ethiopia | Newer supply, vivid green with less consistency |
Where Is the Gem Market in Jaipur?
Jaipur’s gem world is centered around:
– Johari Bazaar – Traditional market for coloured stones & gold
– MI Road – Home to modern showrooms & export houses
– Sitapura & SEZ (Special Economic Zone) – Where high-end cutting, lab certification, and international shipments happen
– Gopalji Ka Rasta, Haldiyon Ka Rasta – Narrow lanes packed with lapidary workshops
Not Just Emeralds: Other Gems Jaipur Excels In
– Rubies (Mozambique, African)
– Sapphires (Sri Lankan, Bangkok-heated)
– Tanzanite, Tourmaline, Garnet, Amethyst
– Beads & carvings for spiritual and fashion jewellery
– Polki diamonds (uncut traditional bridal jewellery)
Why Global Buyers Love Jaipur
– 🇮🇳 Indian jewellers source here for value and quantity
– 🇺🇸 American brands buy calibrated lots and antique settings
– 🇨🇳 Chinese and Hong Kong buyers love emerald beads and carvings
– 🇯🇵 Japanese and Korean designers prefer clean-cut, small-size layouts
– 🇦🇪 Middle Eastern buyers commission luxury gold-emerald sets
Whether you’re sourcing 50 pieces for boutique jewellery or one ₹50 lakh Colombian cushion, Jaipur has it.
Jaipur vs Chanthaburi vs Ratnapura
| City | Speciality | Primary Goods |
| Jaipur | Cutting & Trading Emeralds | Zambian & Colombian emeralds, beads, Polki |
| Chanthaburi | Heating & Calibrated Sapphires | Rubies, heated sapphires, spinels |
| Ratnapura | Mining & Rough Sorting | Natural blue/yellow sapphires, cat’s eye |
At PreciousCarats: Jaipur Is Our Craft Centre
While our heart lies in nature’s untreated treasures, our hands often pass through Jaipur. Here’s why:
– Beads & cuts crafted in Jaipur form part of our Sacred Essentials collection
– Many Zambian emeralds are finished and certified here
– Traditional settings are developed in collaboration with local craftsmen
We honour both the miner and the artisan. Because every gem is a journey — and Jaipur is a vital chapter.
FAQs
❓ Are Jaipur emeralds natural?
Yes. But many are oiled, which is a traditional, accepted, and reversible clarity enhancement. Always check certification.
❓ Can tourists shop for emeralds in Jaipur?
Yes — especially in Johari Bazaar. But beware of tourist markup. Buy from trusted sellers with certification.
❓ Is Jaipur better than Colombia for emeralds?
Colombia mines them. Jaipur refines, cuts, and distributes them globally — often at better value. But origin-specific preference still matters.
Conclusion: A City in Colour, A World in Green
Jaipur is not just pink.
It’s green with emeralds, red with rubies, blue with sapphires — a city soaked in gemstone legacy.
It’s where artistry meets volume.
Where heritage meets hustle.
And where the world’s emeralds are shaped into their final form.
Explore Jaipur emerald collection at Preciouscarats.com