Gem Palace

The Gem Palace is a centuries-old mecca for antique jewels in the heart of Jaipur. Established by the Kasliwal family in 1852, the Gem Palace is just as regal as its name suggests. The Kasliwals once served as court jewelers for Indian Maharaja?s. Today, the shop still retains its majestic cache with pictures of its unmatched A-list clientele lining the walls?think royals and rock stars past and present (Mick Jagger, Jackie O., and Princess Diana, just to name a few.

Maharani Gayatri Devi 

Clockwise: His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales with the Late Princess Diana, Susan Sarandon and Goldie Hawn

The store?s vast collection spans from priceless 17th century-era neckpieces, to lust worthy designs from the 1920s and 30s. Gem Palace has also created a contemporary collection of jewelry that can be bought for a fraction of the cost of a vintage diamond earring. For those craving something even more decadent than the museum quality pieces on display, you will be happy to know that you can easily customize your own gemstone-studded fantasy by collaborating with the Gem Palace?s expert craftsmen. This will undoubtedly be a statement-making (but pricey) endeavor.

When we were visiting, the owners treated us to look at several wedding sets made for Indian and Arab socialites. The exquisite pieces easily cost over a million dollars and, not to mention, had emeralds the size of gold balls! Gem Palace is a must when visiting Jaipur. Be forewarned this is not your typical shopping excursion; it is more like visiting a temple of temptation.

Frida Pinto and Dev Patel with Samir Kasliwal.

Photo by Laura Rico Pineres 

Gem Palace, MI Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan  302001, India
+91 141 237 4175