India's pearl jewellery market is an evolving sector within the broader gems and jewellery industry, shaped by a blend of tradition, modern consumer preferences, and rising demand for luxury and semi-luxury adornments. Known for its rich cultural heritage and love for ornate jewellery, India has a long history of valuing pearls particularly in regions like Hyderabad, famously dubbed the “City of Pearls.” In contemporary India, the pearl jewellery market is expanding due to increasing disposable incomes, a growing middle class, and shifting consumer trends favoring natural and elegant accessories. Pearls are now considered a versatile fashion statement, sought after not just for weddings and festivals, but also for corporate and casual wear. This demand has led to a spike in both domestic production and imports of cultured pearls, particularly from Japan and China, which supply high-quality freshwater and saltwater varieties. Major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai have become hubs for premium pearl jewellery retail, while online platforms like CaratLane, Bluestone, Tanishq, and Reliance Jewels have made pearl jewellery more accessible to urban and semi-urban consumers. Companies such as Krishna Pearls (Hyderabad), Mangatrai Jewellers, and Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri (TBZ) offer extensive collections that combine heritage craftsmanship with modern appeal.

The market includes a wide array of products ranging from necklaces and earrings to rings, bracelets, and brooches. Customization and bespoke jewellery are also gaining traction, particularly among younger consumers. The Indian Government plays a critical role in ensuring quality and transparency through agencies such as the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The hallmarking of pearls, while not yet mandatory like gold, is being encouraged to maintain authenticity in a market often plagued by imitation or synthetic pearls. Additionally, India’s Foreign Trade Policy facilitates the import of cultured pearls under specific HS codes, regulated by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). According to the research report "India Pearl Jewellery Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the India Pearl Jewellery market is anticipated to grow at more than 11.13% CAGR from 2025 to 2030.

Pearls are associated with peace and prosperity in Vedic astrology and are often worn for astrological benefits. During festivals like Diwali and Akshaya Tritiya, pearl jewellery sees a significant boost in sales. Moreover, exhibitions such as the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) held in Mumbai and other major jewellery expos in Hyderabad and Kolkata showcase pearl jewellery innovations and attract international and domestic buyers. With the country’s economic expansion and urbanization, consumers are seeking quality and affordable luxury, making pearl jewellery an attractive choice due to its timeless appeal and relative affordability compared to other gemstones. This is particularly evident in metro cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Pune, where a fusion of traditional and contemporary fashion preferences has spurred demand for minimalistic yet elegant pearl pieces suitable for daily wear as well as formal events. The Hyderabad city hosts a network of pearl traders and artisans who deal primarily in freshwater and cultured pearls, with many shops located in markets like Laad Bazaar and Charminar.

The local industry has also seen advancements through government-supported skill development programs under the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), which aims to train artisans in modern jewellery-making techniques while preserving traditional expertise. India has seen an increase in the adoption of sustainable practices in pearl farming, particularly in coastal regions like Tamil Nadu and Odisha. Pilot projects supported by institutions like the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) have demonstrated success in cultivating freshwater pearls using eco-friendly techniques. These efforts not only contribute to environmental conservation but also reduce dependence on imports, especially from China and Japan, thereby supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiatives.Freshwater pearls, cultivated primarily in lakes and rivers, have emerged as the most popular choice among Indian consumers due to their affordability, variety of shapes and colors, and increasing domestic production. These pearls are often used in casual and semi-formal jewellery and are heavily favored by the middle-income group across urban and semi-urban regions. In fact, states like West Bengal, Odisha, and parts of Andhra Pradesh have seen a surge in freshwater pearl farming supported by government programs through the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA).

Brands like Bluestone and Melorra offer a wide range of freshwater pearl jewellery such as stud earrings, minimalist pendants, and trendy rings, all of which are marketed heavily on digital platforms and social media with slogans like “Affordable Luxury” and “Everyday Elegance.” These campaigns target younger buyers, especially working professionals and college-goers who want stylish yet subtle accessories. In India, demand for saltwater pearls is strongest in luxury retail hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, particularly among affluent buyers seeking exclusive and heritage-style jewellery for weddings, formal events, and gifting. Prominent jewellers such as Tanishq, TBZ, and Amrapali Jewels showcase saltwater pearls in intricate bridal sets, often combined with kundan or polki settings, making them a symbol of class and sophistication. Advertising campaigns during wedding seasons and festivals like Diwali and Akshaya Tritiya highlight the elegance and spiritual value of pearls, often using phrases like “Pure as your bond” or “Timeless Tradition.” Saltwater pearls are also marketed with astrological relevance, where Moti (pearl) is recommended by astrologers for peace and emotional balance, further enhancing their appeal in spiritual and cultural contexts.Pearl necklaces remain the most iconic and traditionally valued segment, especially in cultural and religious contexts. Popular in states like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, pearl necklaces are often worn during weddings, festivals, and religious ceremonies. Designs range from classic multi-strand Satlada necklaces, which are symbolic in Hyderabadi bridal jewellery, to modern single-strand chokers embraced by younger buyers.

Pearl earrings have seen a remarkable surge in demand due to their versatility and affordability. Lightweight pearl studs, drop earrings, and hoop designs are increasingly favored by working professionals and students for everyday wear. The earring segment is widely promoted on e-commerce platforms like CaratLane and Bluestone, with marketing focused on "smart styling" and "work-to-party transitions." This category benefits from impulse buying behavior and seasonal sales, particularly during Valentine’s Day, Raksha Bandhan, and Women's Day promotions. Pearl rings, while a smaller niche, are gaining popularity, especially among the younger demographic and couples seeking unique, symbolic jewellery. Engagement rings featuring freshwater pearls or saltwater pearl accents are being embraced for their soft elegance and symbolic purity, often seen in contemporary collections launched by jewellery houses such as Reliance Jewels and Kalyan Jewellers. The bracelet segment, although still emerging compared to necklaces and earrings, is witnessing growth due to increasing demand for gender-neutral and stackable jewellery.

Men’s pearl bracelets, sometimes combined with leather or metal, have also entered the market, promoted by fashion influencers and endorsed in lifestyle magazines. This diversification aligns with global fashion trends and the rise of fusion wear in India. The others category includes brooches, anklets, maang tikka, nose pins, and cufflinks embedded with pearls, catering to niche ceremonial or festive needs. These items are especially significant during regional festivals and bridal events, with brands like Amrapali and Sabyasachi incorporating them into designer collections showcased in luxury wedding exhibitions.Considered in this report• Historic Year: 2019• Base year: 2024• Estimated year: 2025• Forecast year: 2030Aspects covered in this report• Pearl Jewellery Market with its value and forecast along with its segments• Various drivers and challenges• On-going trends and developments• Top profiled companies• Strategic recommendationBy Pearl Source• Fresh Water• Salt WaterBy Product Type• Necklaces• Earrings• Rings• Bracelets• OthersThe approach of the report:This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.Intended audienceThis report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to this industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry..