Kundan and Polki Jewellery: Exploring the Timeless Craftsmanship and Key Differences

Jewellery lovers and connoisseurs of traditional Indian jewellery often find themselves fascinated by the allure of Kundan and Polki jewellery. These two exquisite jewellery types showcase the rich heritage and intricate craftsmanship of India’s jewellery legacy. But what exactly distinguishes Kundan from Polki? Why should you understand the difference between these two? In this blog, we will delve deep into the difference between Kundan and Polki, explore their unique features, and help you choose the perfect jewellery piece that fits your style and occasion.

Whether you’re a jewellery collector or planning to invest in traditional Indian jewellery, this article is your comprehensive guide to appreciating the raw elegance of Polki and the refined artistry of Kundan. Along the way, we will also highlight some stunning pieces from the renowned Archana Aggarwal Polki Collection and how the brand preserves this timeless craft.

1. What is Kundan Jewellery?

Kundan jewellery is a form of traditional Indian jewellery characterized by its use of refined gold and glass stones set in gold foils. This craft involves setting uncut or polished stones in a base of pure kundan (high-quality gold foil), giving the jewellery a radiant and elaborate finish. The jewellery is crafted using an age-old method where the stones are embedded into a 24k gold framework, which is then decorated with enamel or meenakari work on the back.

Kundan jewellery is known for its intricate designs and the use of glass stones, which are skillfully placed to resemble precious stones. This jewellery holds a timeless charm and is often favored for weddings and festive occasions. Among jewellery lovers, kundan jewellery is prized for its grandeur and the artistic craftsmanship that goes into creating each piece.

2. What is Polki Jewellery?

Polki jewellery is an excellent example of traditional Indian jewellery that uses uncut diamonds in their raw, natural form. Unlike kundan jewellery, which uses glass stones, Polki jewellery is crafted using real uncut diamonds set in gold, often with minimal polishing to preserve their natural beauty and brilliance. This jewellery type is prized for the raw elegance of Polki diamonds, which gives each piece a unique character.

Polki jewellery is reserved mostly for luxurious occasions and is considered more expensive than Kundan jewellery due to the use of natural diamonds. The stones are typically set in gold with minimal intervention, highlighting the charm and uniqueness of each uncut diamond. Polki pieces exhibit a delicate balance of traditional craftsmanship and raw sophistication.

3. What Are the Key Differences Between Kundan and Polki Jewellery? 

Understanding the key differences between Kundan and Polki is essential for jewellery lovers aiming to invest in traditional jewellery pieces:

• Stones Used: Kundan jewellery uses glass stones set in gold foils, while Polki jewellery features uncut diamonds in their raw form.
• Craftsmanship: Kundan jewellery is known for its elaborate gold foil work, whereas Polki focuses on showcasing the natural beauty of raw diamonds.
• Price: Polki jewellery is generally more expensive than kundan due to the use of real uncut diamonds.
• Appearance: Kundan jewellery has a bright, reflective finish due to glass stones, while Polki jewellery has a subtle, understated sparkle from natural diamonds.
• Jewellery Pieces: Both crafts include necklaces, earrings, and rings, but Polki pieces are often reserved for bridal and luxury collections.

4. How Are Kundan and Polki Jewellery Crafted? 

The craftsmanship behind both Kundan and Polki jewellery is highly specialized and involves multiple steps:

• Kundan jewellery is crafted by placing glass stones into a framework of pure gold foil (Kundan). The jeweller uses the foil to fix the stones securely, enhancing the jewellery’s brilliance with intricate enamel work on the back. This technique is a hallmark of the Jadau tradition, where layers of gold foil, stones, and enamel combine to create a richly detailed piece.
• Polki jewellery involves using uncut diamonds carefully set in pure gold settings without much polishing or treatment, preserving the diamond’s natural form. The focus is on highlighting the raw elegance of Polki, which requires expert handling to maintain the diamond’s authenticity while crafting beautiful designs.

5. Why Choose Polki Jewellery? 

Polki jewellery holds a special place in the world of traditional Indian jewellery for several reasons:

• It uses real diamond stones in their natural, uncut form, which gives each piece a distinct individuality.
• The beauty of Polki lies in its subtle sparkle and unrefined charm, making it a favourite among jewellery connoisseurs who appreciate authenticity.
• Polki jewellery pieces are often part of luxurious bridal collections, symbolizing elegance and heritage.
• The jewellery is crafted using pure gold, emphasizing the preciousness of each piece.

6. Why Is Kundan Jewellery So Popular in Traditional Indian Jewellery? 

Kundan jewellery has been a staple of traditional Indian jewellery for centuries. Here’s why:

• The use of pure kundan gold foil lends the jewellery a luminous, radiant quality.
• It allows artisans to create intricate designs with multiple layers of stones and enamel work.
• Kundan jewellery offers the grandeur of precious jewellery at a relatively affordable price point compared to diamond-studded pieces.
• It has a timeless appeal and fits beautifully with various Indian bridal and festive outfits.
• Many opt for Kundan jewellery due to its versatility and rich cultural significance.

7. What Is Jadau and How Does It Relate to Kundan and Polki?

Jadau is a traditional Indian technique used in crafting both Kundan and Polki jewellery. It refers to the art of embedding stones (uncut diamonds, glass stones, or precious gems) into gold foil, allowing for elaborate and detailed designs.

• Jadau work is the backbone of Kundan jewellery, where glass stones are set in gold foils.
• Polki jewellery also uses the Jadau technique to set raw diamonds securely into the gold framework.
• The craft of Jadau jewellery demands meticulous attention to detail and highly skilled artisanship.

8. How to Choose Between Kundan and Polki Jewellery? 

Choosing between Kundan and Polki jewellery depends on several factors:

• Budget: Polki jewellery is often pricier due to the use of natural diamonds; Kundan jewellery, using glass stones, tends to be more budget-friendly.
• Occasion: Polki is ideal for luxurious weddings and grand occasions, while Kundan jewellery suits a wider range of traditional events.
• Style Preference: If you prefer raw elegance and authentic diamond sparkle, Polki jewellery is the perfect choice. If you love intricate and colorful designs with a radiant finish, go for Kundan jewellery.
• Maintenance: Kundan jewellery, with its glass stones, requires delicate handling, whereas Polki jewellery demands care for the diamonds but generally retains value better.

9. What Are the Popular Jewellery Pieces in Kundan and Polki?

Both Kundan and Polki jewellery feature a wide array of traditional pieces:

• Kundan jewellery pieces often include necklaces, chokers, earrings, bangles, and maang tikka, crafted with vibrant enamel work and glass stones.
• Polki pieces primarily feature necklaces, rings, earrings, and bangles, often showcasing the raw beauty of uncut diamonds.
• The famous Polki necklace is a statement piece for brides and collectors, offering an unmatched blend of traditional style and raw diamond grandeur.

At Archana Aggarwal Timeless Jewellery, both Kundan and Polki are celebrated.

Archana Aggarwal is a celebrated brand known for its exquisite collection of Polki and Kundan jewellery that preserves the rich heritage of Indian jewellery craftsmanship. The brand:

• Focuses on using pure kundan and real diamonds to maintain authenticity.
• Employs skilled artisans who specialize in the traditional Jadau craft.
• Offers a curated selection of jewellery pieces that highlight the beauty of Polki and the elegance of Kundan.
• Upholds the jewellery legacy by blending traditional techniques with contemporary designs to appeal to modern jewellery lovers.

You can explore their elegant Polki Collection to witness the charm and grandeur of these timeless jewellery styles.