Kundan jewellery is known for its timeless beauty, intricate designs, and rich symbolism. It is an Indian style of ethnic jewellery that has been around for centuries and is made up of heavy gold, precious stones, and beads. Kundan jewellery pieces are often heavily encrusted with gemstones, like rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and pearls.
Today, Kundan jewellery is often made using a variety of materials, including silver, brass, glass beads, synthetic gems, and even plastic! This ethnic jewellery includes everything from necklaces to heavy Kundan earrings to bangles. Kundan designs are often inspired by ancient royal motifs like flowers or birds as well as modern abstract shapes.
Let’s explore the unique craftsmanship and beauty of Kundan jewellery, and how it holds a special place in many people's hearts. From its types and styles to magnificent stones to a wide range, discover the timeless magic of Kundan jewellery!
Understanding the Kundan Jewellery
Kundan jewellery is a type of ethnic jewellery that is made with techniques that date back centuries. The word “Kundan” means “highly refined gold,” which is made with some of the finest quality gold. The ornaments are usually quite elaborate and intricate, often featuring colourful stones and gems.
One of the most distinctive features of Kundan jewellery is how stones are placed in the jewellery. Rather than being prong-set like most Western-style jewellery, Kundan stones are set using a process called “Kundan setting.”
In this process, the stones are first held in place with a type of clay or wax, and then the surrounding metal is moulded to hold them in place securely. This results in a tight and secure setting that helps to show off the beauty of the stones to their best advantage.
This ethnic jewellery is usually made with yellow gold, but white gold and rose gold are also popular choices.
Different Types and Styles of Kundan Jewellery
Kundan jewellery is known for its beautiful, elaborate designs and durability. There is an array of different styles and types of Kundan jewellery, each with its exclusive look.
This ethnic jewellery has three main types. These include:
This type of jewellery is made by setting uncut diamonds and other precious stones into gold foil and then enamelling over them. Jadau Kundan jewellery is usually very ornate and often has detailed patterns.
Polki jewellery is made using polished diamonds instead of uncut stones. This gives the jewellery a more sparkly appearance. The Polki jewellery is often less ornate than jadau, but can still be elegant.
Meenakari uses enamel colours to create designs on the surface of the gold foil. This type of kundan jewelling can be very colourful and vibrant.
Some of the most popular styles of Kundan ornaments include:
It features traditional Indian designs and motifs. It is often made of gold and silver and adorned with diamonds, rubies, and other precious stones.
Modern ethnic jewellery combines traditional techniques with modern designs to create unique pieces.
It is characterised by its use of innovative materials and cutting-edge designs. Contemporary jewellery is often made of gold, silver, or platinum, and adorned with diamonds, sapphires, and other precious stones.
Each type of Kundan jewellery has its distinct appeal, making it a popular choice on all occasions.
Types of Stones Used in Kundan Jewellery
There are a variety of stones used in Kundan jewellery, each with its unique meaning and purpose. The most used stones are diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires.
Each of these stones has a special significance in Indian culture and represents different aspects of the wearer's personality.
- Diamonds are the most precious of all the stones used in Polki jewellery. They symbolize purity, innocence, and strength.
- Emeralds epitomise growth, wisdom, and new beginnings.
- Rubies stand for passion, love, and power.
- Sapphires personify truth, clarity, and sincerity.
Kundan jewellery is often adorned with other types of stones as well, such as pearls, topaz, amethyst, turquoise, and peridot. These stones also represent different aspects of the wearer's life and personality.
Exploring a Wide Selection of Kundan Jewellery
Kundan jewellery is often considered the most spectacular and opulent form of Indian ethnic jewellery. You can choose from simple, elegant designs to more elaborate ones.
There is a plethora of types of Kundan jewellery, such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, Kundan heavy maang tikka, anklets, rings, and more. You can wear these ornaments every day or for special occasions such as weddings or festivals.
The most popular type of Kundan jewellery is the necklace. Kundan necklaces are usually quite large and very ornate, with multiple strands of gold and gemstones. You can put on these necklaces as a single piece or layered for a more dramatic look.
Besides, you can find Kundan chokers made with a series of large gemstones strung together on a gold chain. You can wear them tight against the neck or loose and draped over the shoulders.
Kundan earrings can range from small studs to large dangling drops. Heavy Kundan earrings are often set with precious or semi-precious stones, such as rubies, emeralds, or sapphires. You can wear them with or without matching pendants.
Kundan bracelets are usually long and heavy, and they often feature complex designs. You can also stack them with other bracelets for a more elaborate look.
Besides, kadas can also become a highlight of many occasions. You can buy Kundan kada online at various jewellery stores offering great variety and reasonable prices.
Kundan rings are also quite popular, and they typically feature one large gemstone surrounded by smaller stones or pearls. There are so many distinct styles and designs available. Like pendants and earrings, you can adorn them with an assortment of different gemstones.
Kundan maang tikka is another prominent Polki jewellery. It is a piece of head jewellery which is made with Kundan stones and detailed designs.
Kundan heavy maang tikka comprises a central stone with smaller stones ornamenting it. The central stone is known as the maathapatti. You can pair the tikka with matching earrings, necklaces, and rings to complete the look.
Upshot
Kundan jewellery is undoubtedly a timeless classic. Its beautiful designs, devious patterns, and delicate embellishments make it an essential part of any woman's wardrobe.
Whether you are looking for a statement piece to add sparkle to your look or just a piece of ethnic jewellery that will bring back old memories, the range of Kundan jewellery available today offers endless possibilities.
Get yourself some timeless magic by investing in these Polki jewellery pieces - you won't regret it!