India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) (75 page)

India’s most famous
dhurrie
designer is
Shyam Ahuja
(78 India House, Kemps Corner;
022/2386-7372
), known for outstanding and expensive hand-woven products. Besides gorgeous home furnishings, table linen, bathrobes, and towels, you can purchase authentic Pashmina shawls here.

JEWELRY

Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri
(241/43 Zaveri Bazaar;
022/2342-5001
or -5002), stretching over five separate floors, has a reputation for exceptional gold and diamond jewelry that dates back to 1865. It’s very popular with Mumbai’s wealthier crowd, so don’t expect exceptionally good prices. Considered one of the country’s finest places for designer contemporary jewelry,
D. Popli & Sons
is a family owned operation going strong since 1928; it’s conveniently located, too, behind the Regal Cinema in Colaba (Ready Money Building, Battery St.,
022/2202-1694
or 022/2204-2055).
Gazdar
(Taj Mahal Palace & Tower shopping arcade;
022/2202-3666
)
has been selling Indian, Western, antique, and contemporary jewelry since 1933; again, the prices go with the territory. Serious buyers looking for one-of-a-kind pieces should consider contacting
Paulomi Sanghavi
(Hughes Rd.;
022/2367-6114
or 022/6634-7475; personal meetings by appointment only) or you can browse her unique ready-made designs in the store. Alternatively, walk into any one of the numerous jewelry stores along Hughes Road, such as
U. T. Zaveri
(Dharam Palace;
022/2367-9575
), where the designs are unusual and the salespeople extremely helpful.

ART, ANTIQUES & FURNITURE

For a startling array of antique finds and colonial furniture, there’s no place like
Mutton Street
in the Chor Bazaar (see “Markets,” earlier in this chapter; closed Fri), which is a wonderful place at which to browse and discover hidden treasures. You’ll spot plenty of imitation antiques and faux products here, but these are usually pretty easy to identify. Store owners will often (but not always) tell you which are genuine items and which are reproductions. If, however, walking through dirty streets and sifting through dusty shops is not your cup of tea, head straight for the more established antiques stores in the city, some of the best of which are downtown in the Colaba-Fort area.
Natesan’s Antiqarts
(
022/2285-2700
), conveniently located at Jehangir Art Gallery, deals principally in stone, wood, and bronze items. Whether you pick up an ornate teak and sandalwood carving, a bronze piece created using the 4,500-year-old lost-wax process, or a refurbished antique, Natesan’s will arrange shipment. Nearby
Phillips Antiques
(opposite the Regal Cinema in Colaba’s museum quarter;
022/2202-0564;
www.phillipsantiques.com
) offers a similar service; besides four-poster beds, armchairs, writing tables, and hat stands, you’ll find gorgeous porcelain and pottery, brass and silverware, and a range of marble items for the home, not to mention ornamental pieces, antiquarian maps, lithographs, engravings, old photographs, and lovely lamps. Filled with beautiful objects,
Heeramaneck
(below Hotel Suba Palace, Battery St., Colaba;
022/2202-1778
or 022/2285-6340) is another essential pit stop for antiques lovers. It has an especially good collection of Victorian and Indian silverware, including tea sets, candle stands, and sometimes cutlery as well. Two more places where you can track down exciting antiques, include
Artquest
(1, Dsaulat Bldg., Colaba;
022/2215-0220;
[email protected]), and
Tribal Route
(18/19 Aram Nagar 2, J.P. Rd., Machlimaar, Versova;
99-6705-8847;
[email protected]).