The big-ticket Mashhad purchases are saffron, turquoise, and Persian carpets. Saffron is best bought from the specialised shops in and around the Reza Bazaar; look for whole stigmas (not powder) and the Negin grade for the highest quality. Turquoise comes from nearby Neyshabur and is sold at most jewellery shops; loose stones are widely cheaper than mounted pieces. For carpets, the larger dealerships on the Imam Reza Boulevard near the shrine show the full Khorasani range — particularly the famous Mashhad medallion designs in deep reds and blues.