Tripolia Bazaar

Tripolia is the bangle street. In the lanes running off it (above all Maniharon ka Rasta, the Bangle-makers' Lane), families still soften lac over an open flame, roll it into a ring and press in coloured stones while it is warm. A Rajasthani bride wears these by the dozen up both arms.

What to buy: lac bangle sets in matched colours, single statement cuffs, and the cheaper glass-and-lac mixes. Ask to have a set sized on your wrist: lac is reheated and adjusted in front of you, and that is half the pleasure of buying here.

Lac bangles