WOW! revisits the iconic Laad Bazaar as Hyderabadi lac bangles earn their well-
deserved GI recognition.
Visiting Laad Bazaar in Hyderabad is like stepping into a glittering time capsule. While the
world has always celebrated the lacquer bangles for ages, the recent Geographical Indication
(GI) tag comes as the official validation of our heritage. With over 400 shops on West Street of
Charminar selling these colorful beauties, shopping here can be overwhelming, but totally worth
it.
Pro tip: Avoid any store with lots of glitter on its tables as it means the handiwork is inferior.
ZORDAAR ZARDOZI
Kaleem Ahmed, who runs an 80-year- old Zohra Bangles, says that the zardozi variety is
trending in 2024. These bangles, usually broader in width and heavy, have a velvet cloth with
embroidery encircled around it. They look resplendent and are ideal for weddings and parties.
Price: Rs 600 for four. These bangles are often sold for twice their price on fancy online sites.
Tel: 91003 18011
CLASSY GLASS
Nagina Bangles specializes in dainty glass bangles with stones sourced from China and
Germany. Glass bangles are typically two dozen bangles worn on each wrist. Buy these in excess
as many may break even before you wear them.
“The bangles are handmade and women workers painstakingly dot the bangles with glitter. It is
intricate work that deserves the amount we quote,” says owner Rehan.
Note: They send bangles bought in bulk via Rapido and other delivery services with advance
payment.
Price: Rs 200 for a dozen. T
el: 99635 01786
START SMALL
“Starting kya rate hai” is a good way to begin at Suhaag Bangles and more. Otherwise, they
show only the expensive ones, Rs 1,000 and above. Price starts at Rs 5 per bangle for simple
variety and they look pretty. They also have sizes 14 and 18 bangles sets and these typically have
a mix of thin and thick bangles in coordinated colors, such as pink and orange or blue and green.
Price: Rs 600 per dozen.
Tel: 88976 66044
PEARLS FOR GIRLS
A1 Bangles and Jewellery especially have maggam work bangles that are handcrafted. The fabric
is drawn with a design, then stretched and secured on a frame. Skilled artisans use needles and
threads to stitch the design and add elements like beads, sequins, and stones. A1 also specializes
in lac pearl bangles. They are popular with Christian brides who like pearls to match their white
wedding gowns.
Price: Rs 1,000 for four/six. It takes almost a week to make one set of these bangles.
Tel: 92465 88162
Timing: 11 am to 9 pm
Handy Tips:
- There is no parking here for two or four wheelers
- All stores accept digital payments
- Avoid weekends as they are crowded
- Most stores also have websites or social media pages and you can order through them too
