Store Tour – The Silver Shop

Warm and beckoning!

The jeweller allows me to wear the sapphire blue lake on my finger, emerald green leaves around my neck, and take the citrine sunset with me wherever I go. Jewellery has become my daytime link to nature in an office with no windows. And if I have to work late, there's nothing like diamond stars and a pearl full moon against an onyx night sky. ~Astrid Alauda

This quote beautifully summarizes the allure of jewellery.  It transcends beyond being a mere accessory; it evokes memories, arouses feelings, induces poise and makes you feel unique. I am not much of a jewellery person and more into minimalistic delicate jewellery. But I have recently discovered the power of accessories for an outfit and started dabbling in some statement jewellery and now I am always on the lookout for unique pieces. My ex room-mate Madhavi introduced me to this amazing shop around 4 years back and I still have not gotten over it!  Every time I am in Commercial Street I always have a quick peek.

This tiny shop in Commercial Street in Bangalore is a stylist’s paradise. Stocked with silver jewellery and gemstones, this shop is like a candy land full of colourful gemstones of all varieties, some known and some unknown. It is here that I first saw Alexandrite which is a rare gemstone that changes colour depending on the light and is often described by gem aficionados as “emerald by day, ruby by night”.  Having started with made to order gold jewellery way back in 1958, this shop now specializes in silver and semi-precious gemstone jewellery owing to the turn in the trend since the past 10-15 years. Sourcing the pieces from all over India, you can see the fine craftsmanship and artistry of the silversmiths from different states and regions, each distinct with their trademark style. Most of the silver jewellery is handmade and has this charm and uniqueness about it that can only be brought by the touch of human hand. They also stock machine made fine silver chains, bangles etc but they are not half as impressive as the handmade ones.

The sheer variety of stock here ensures a constant stream of customers and the shop is always over flowing. Mr. Babu Prasad, the owner of this place attributes this success to the perfect vaastu of Commercial Street. Being close to the cantonment area during the British occupation, Commercial Street received patronage of the British officers whose wives were enchanted by the wares of this exotic land! Commercial Street was indeed the commercial hub of Bangalore and its significance is obvious by its pin code – 560001. Even now it is the first place we think of when it comes to shopping for fabric and jewellery. But now the charm of the Commercial Street is fading according to Mr. Prasad and it is becoming too commercial (now that’s an oxymoron). Earlier all the shops on Commercial Street had houses attached behind the shop façade but now none of the families live here, they have all migrated to better homes and greener pastures. Mr. Prasad’s shop cum house is the only house left on Commercial Street where people still live. This 160 year old house has seen 5 generations and is still standing firm. Apparently this house is somewhat of an architectural marvel having a 22x22 feet hall without any pillars.

I had an amazing time talking with Mr. Prasad and his lovely wife about their shop, the nuances of the silver jewellery and gemstones and history of Commercial Street. However if you want to explore the shop at leisure, I suggest you visit over a weekday when they are comparatively less occupied and will show you box after box of wonders till you have found what you are looking for. It is definitely a must visit for finding unique statement jewellery that go well with ethnic as well as western wear. I specially love their mind boggling variety of silver jhumkis and my Mom loves their statement necklaces which look amazing when paired with crisp cotton sarees and even traditional silk sarees. Hope you will the find the shop as attractive as I do :)

Statement Necklaces galore!

Love their silver earrings collection

Arm candy

Array of silver jhumkas

Packed house

Statement rings with semi precious stones setting

The big picture

Necklaces with semi-precious beads

Pendants

Ganeshas in semi-precious stones

Last glance

Address: The Silver Shop, 28 Commercial Street. Bangalore

Just ahead of Krishniah Chetty Jewellers on Commercial Street if you are coming from Mysore Udyog side. 

Timings: 11.30 AM to 2.30 PM and 4 PM to 7 PM (closes in between for lunch)

You may want to check out my other Commercial Street finds:
Store Tour - Asiatic Arts and Crafts

Store Tour – Mecca Lifestyle