Kundan - A Timeless Work of Art
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A key heirloom, a woman's favourite addition to her jewellery box, a legacy of centuries- Kundan is one historical tale of the most treasured heritage of our country.
What is Kundan?
Kundan was born when the purest form of gold was used to make jewellery. The beauty of Kundan is unmatched as it embodies our traditions and culture. The word 'Kundan ' means highly refined gold.
Our country is known for its diverse culture, art, traditions and religions. With that, our land is also known for being the place where priceless jewellery was first created. Countless styles and designs have made their way into the present era, and they never cease to astound us with their thought, creative process, and the ultimate result!
Kundan is one of the oldest and most well-known styles. It is royally adorned with gemstones like diamonds, topaz, rubies, emeralds, agate, crystal, amethyst, pearls, jade, sapphires and gold foil.
Who, Where and when?
Kundan is thought to have been introduced to our nation by the Mughals. On the other hand, Kundan 's roots can also be traced back to the northern regions of India. It gained popularity under the Mughals and was widely worn in royal courts. This resplendent kind of jewellery, which masterfully combined stones and pure gold, was made by skilled court artisans. Later, they also flourished in Rajasthan and Gujarat. The original designs were made of pure gold. The popularity of Kundan shifted from the royal courts to the general populace once they began producing it in silver.
Today, it is also made with a faux metal base. Kundan has a rich and remarkable legacy of over 2500 years.
How is it made?
The journey of making a Kundan jewellery until it's ready to wear is quite interesting! It involves various processes like Ghaat, Paadh, Khudai, Pakai and Chillai.
Kundan Pieces are intricate, and they involve a lot of skilled labour. Every single piece is hand finished, meaning that skilled artisans put in countless hours. A small piece of Kundan jewellery can typically take up to two to four months, depending on the design and craftsmanship.
Why Kundan?
There are many reasons why Kundan is the best choice for your bauble box.
Kundan and gemstones together create a magnificent display of regal beauty and grace. This is one of the reasons why Kundan is the go-to jewellery style for brides in India. A typical Indian wedding calls for grandeur in every aspect, and Kundan offers precisely what you need to add richness to your look! Many celebrities have made Kundan jewellery a part of their bridal ensemble. They are very elaborate, and the craftsmanship is intricate and entrancing. It's the perfect jewellery for special occasions like weddings, festivals etc. No other type of jewellery can match the traditional flair that Kundan emanates.
Another reason to adore Kundan is that it blends well with all sorts of outfits. Kundan will always make you stand out when it comes to traditional aesthetics, whether it's a heavy bridal ensemble or an elegant and subtle attire. Moreover, you can pair Kundan jewellery with western clothing such as dresses and gowns!
There's no end to the number of choices we have when it comes to variety. The main ingredient to its popularity is its variety and versatility. From necklaces to bangles and earrings to matha patti, they are readily available in different styles, and you can ever get them customised