Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Pearls in Andaman: What to Know
- Top Cities & Places for Pearl Jewellery Shopping
- Tourist Circuits for Shoppers
- Activities Beyond Shopping
- Festivals & Seasonal Events
- How to Reach Andaman
- Where to Stay
- Estimated Costs & Budget Tips
- Local Experiences: Food & Culture
- Shopping Guide: What to Buy & How to Verify Authenticity
- Tips for Different Traveler Types
- Responsible Shopping & Legalities
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Andaman & Nicobar Islands are famed for turquoise waters and white-sand beaches, and they’re also an intriguing place to buy pearl jewellery. From government emporiums in Port Blair to boutique counters on Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep), the islands offer elegant strands, earrings, and fusion designs inspired by the sea. This guide explains where to shop, how to verify authenticity, what it costs, and how to plan an island circuit that blends beach time with beautiful buys.
Pearls in Andaman: What to Know
Most pearl jewellery sold in Andaman is made with cultured pearls sourced from mainland India and abroad. Wild harvesting of shells, corals, and marine life is protected, and you should not purchase raw shells or coral curios. Reputable stores will clearly declare pearl type (freshwater, Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian), metal purity, and provide a bill and, for high-value pieces, a certificate of authenticity.
- Why shop in Andaman: Coastal-inspired designs, curated selections at government emporiums, and boutique pieces to commemorate a beach trip.
- Best season for shopping: November to April (dry season) when more shops are open and stocked; monsoon can see limited hours.
Top Cities & Places for Pearl Jewellery Shopping
Port Blair (Best variety and reliability)
- Sagarika Government Emporium (multiple outlets): Government-run; fair pricing and authenticity focus. Expect classic pearl strands, studs, and simple gold/silver settings.
- Aberdeen Bazaar & nearby streets (Middle Point, Goal Ghar): Private jewellers and craft stores. Compare lustre and prices across 2–3 shops; insist on a tax invoice.
- Museum and airport counters: Convenient for last-minute buys, usually at fixed prices.
Havelock / Swaraj Dweep (Boutique and beachside)
- Govind Nagar Market: Small jewellery counters with contemporary designs suited to resort wear.
- Near Radhanagar Beach: Select hotel boutiques; quality varies—buy only with clear billing.
Neil Island / Shaheed Dweep (Souvenir-friendly)
- Neil Kendra & Bharatpur Beach stalls: Simple pearl trinkets at budget prices. Check drill holes, symmetry, and ask about return policies.
Other spots
- Wandoor and Chidiya Tapu areas: Occasional craft outlets; limited jewellery selection.
Tourist Circuits for Shoppers
Classic 5–6 Day Circuit
- Day 1–2: Port Blair (Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove, shopping at Sagarika and Aberdeen Bazaar)
- Day 3–4: Havelock (Radhanagar, Elephant Beach; browse Govind Nagar boutiques in the evening)
- Day 5: Neil Island (Bharatpur, Laxmanpur; light souvenir shopping)
- Day 6: Port Blair (final fit checks and billing before departure)
Short 3–4 Day Circuit
- Base in Port Blair and do a day trip to Havelock; prioritize shopping on Day 1 and the final evening.
Weeklong Indulgence Circuit
- Split stays between Port Blair (3N), Havelock (3N), and Neil (1N); schedule shopping windows after beach time so you can try pieces with your outfits.
Activities Beyond Shopping
- Beaches: Radhanagar, Elephant Beach (Havelock), Bharatpur (Neil), Wandoor (Port Blair).
- Water sports: Snorkelling, scuba (PADI centres in Havelock), sea walks (seasonal).
- Heritage: Cellular Jail and Light & Sound show, Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island).
- Nature: Sunset at Chidiya Tapu, mangrove boat rides at Baratang (permit-based).
Festivals & Seasonal Events
- Island Tourism Festival (usually January): Cultural shows, food stalls, seasonal shopping pop-ups.
- Beach & Food Festivals (winter peak): Temporary markets with handicrafts; selection varies year to year.
How to Reach Andaman
- By Air: Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair, from major Indian cities. Nonstop and one-stop connections operate year-round; fares rise in Dec–Jan.
- By Sea: Government ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam operate infrequently (long duration). Most visitors fly.
- Inter-island: Government ferries and private catamarans connect Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil. Book early in peak season.
Where to Stay
- Port Blair: Aberdeen Bazaar/Phoenix Bay for easy shopping access; mid-range city hotels are common.
- Havelock: Govind Nagar and Radhanagar zones for beachfront resorts and boutique stores.
- Neil: Near Bharatpur/Neil Kendra for quick market and jetty access.
Indicative price ranges per night (double):
- Budget guesthouses: INR 1,000–2,500
- Mid-range resorts: INR 3,500–8,000
- Upscale beachfront: INR 9,000–20,000+
Estimated Costs & Budget Tips
Typical Pearl Jewellery Prices (guide only)
- Freshwater pearl studs/pendants: INR 700–4,000
- Single-strand freshwater necklaces: INR 2,500–12,000
- Akoya/Tahitian/South Sea pieces: From INR 10,000 to premium brackets depending on size, lustre, and metal
Note: Island markups can apply. Government emporiums usually have fixed pricing; private shops may allow reasonable negotiation.
Trip Budget Snapshot (per person, 5–6 days)
- Return flights (mainland–Port Blair): INR 10,000–28,000+ depending on season
- Ferries and local transport: INR 2,000–5,000
- Stay and meals: INR 10,000–40,000+ based on category
- Shopping allowance: set aside INR 3,000–50,000 depending on preferences
Budget Tips
- Shortlist designs and price brackets before stepping into stores.
- Buy classic pieces at government emporiums; hunt unique designs in boutiques.
- Ask for a proper tax invoice; check return/exchange terms.
- Avoid impulse buys at beach stalls unless quality is clearly acceptable.
Local Experiences: Food & Culture
- Food to try: Grilled fish, crab curry, prawn masala, coconut-based dishes; plenty of vegetarian North/South Indian options.
- Café culture: Beachside cafés in Havelock pair well with an evening browse of jewellery counters.
- Culture: A vibrant mix of Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, and Nicobarese influences; motifs often show up in jewellery design and packaging.
Shopping Guide: What to Buy & How to Verify Authenticity
Popular Buys
- Classic pearl studs and pendants in silver or gold
- Single or double-strand necklaces with matching bracelets
- Fusion pieces: pearls with seashell-inspired motifs or mixed gemstones
Authenticity Checklist
- Lustre and surface: Look for sharp reflections and minimal blemishes.
- Shape and matching: Evenly matched pairs/strands command higher value.
- Nacre and drill hole: At the drill, nacre should look uniform; avoid flaky coating.
- Metal quality: For gold, ask for BIS hallmark; for silver, look for 925 stamps.
- Paperwork: Insist on a tax invoice; for high-value pieces, ask for a certificate stating pearl type.
Pro tip: The old “tooth test” can damage pearls and is unreliable. Use good lighting and compare across shops instead.
Tips for Different Traveler Types
Families
- Combine shopping with museum visits in Port Blair to keep days balanced.
- Pick sturdy settings for teens or travel-friendly trinkets under INR 2,000.
Honeymooners
- Plan a boutique visit after sunset on Havelock for relaxed browsing.
- Consider simple matching sets; ensure proper storage pouches for flights.
Friends/Groups
- Compare prices across 2–3 stores; group buys can fetch better value.
- Shortlist designs and split time between Sagarika and private boutiques.
Packing & Care
- Carry a soft pouch; keep pearls away from sunscreen, perfume, and chlorinated pools.
- Wipe pearls with a soft cloth after wear; store flat to protect the string.
Safety & Practical
- Keep receipts accessible for airport checks.
- Use cards/UPI at reputable stores; carry some cash for small purchases.
Responsible Shopping & Legalities
- Do not buy or carry corals, turtle shells, or raw shells; collection and trade are restricted/prohibited.
- Purchase only finished jewellery and crafts from licensed stores with proper billing.
- Respect marine parks and reefs—no picking, prying, or disturbing habitats.
FAQs
Q: Are pearls sold in Andaman genuine?
A: Many shops sell cultured pearls. Buy from reputable stores, ask what type of pearl it is, and get a proper invoice. For high-value pieces, request a certificate.
Q: Can I bargain on pearl jewellery in Andaman?
A: Limited bargaining is possible at private shops. Prices at government emporiums are typically fixed. Always compare across a couple of stores.
Q: Is it legal to buy seashells or coral souvenirs?
A: No. Buying or transporting corals, turtle shells, and many raw shells is prohibited. Stick to certified jewellery and approved crafts with billing.
Q: What is the best time to visit Andaman for shopping?
A: November to April offers good weather, more open shops, and dependable ferry schedules. Monsoon months may see limited hours and choppy seas.
Q: How do I check pearl quality quickly in a store?
A: Assess lustre (sharp reflection), surface (few blemishes), matching (for pairs/strands), and nacre at the drill hole. Verify metal hallmarks and ask for the bill.
Conclusion
Andaman pairs sun-kissed beaches with memorable pearl jewellery shopping. Base yourself in Port Blair for the most reliable selection, add boutique browsing on Havelock and Neil, and shop smart with authenticity checks and proper billing. With a balanced itinerary, you will return with pieces that reflect the islands’ calm elegance—and stories from the sea to match.
