FAQ

Kundan is a traditional Indian jewellery-making technique, originating in the royal courts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, in which gemstones or coloured glass are set into gold foil (rather than claw-set or bezel-set as in Western jewellery). The word "Kundan" refers to the highly refined, pure gold foil used to hold each stone in place. It is prized for its intricate handwork and is a staple of Indian bridal and festive jewellery.

Jadau is a closely related Mughal-era technique in which gemstones are embedded directly into a base of molten gold, without the use of glue or modern adhesives — the stones are held purely by the gold itself, shaped around them while still workable. Jadau pieces are typically more elaborate and layered than standard Kundan work, often combining uncut stones, enamelling (meenakari) on the reverse, and pearls or beads. In practice, "Kundan-Jadau" is often used as a combined term, as many pieces use both techniques together.

The difference lies in the stones, not just the setting. Polki refers specifically to jewellery set with uncut, natural diamonds in their raw form (as opposed to faceted, cut diamonds) — Polki is a stone. Kundan refers to the setting technique itself, where stones (which may be Polki diamonds, other gemstones, or coloured glass/kundan stones) are held in place with gold foil. In short: Polki jewellery is usually Kundan-set, but not all Kundan jewellery uses Polki diamonds — many pieces use synthetic stones, coloured glass, or semi-precious gems instead.

This depends on the specific piece, so we'd encourage checking the product page or asking us directly for any item you're considering. Traditionally, Kundan work uses a refined gold foil to set the stones, and pieces are often built on a base metal or gold-toned metal rather than solid gold throughout — this is part of what makes elaborate Kundan pieces more accessible than solid-gold jewellery of a similar size. If you need to confirm the exact metal content or gold purity of a specific piece before purchasing, contact us at support@mskundancreation.com or +91 98764 31759 and we'll clarify.

Kundan and Jadau pieces are handcrafted and can be delicate, so a few precautions go a long way: store pieces individually in a dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity, avoid contact with perfume, hairspray, and other chemicals (apply these before putting jewellery on, not after), remove pieces before bathing, swimming, or exercising, and clean gently with a soft, dry cloth rather than water or jewellery cleaners. For guidance specific to a piece you've purchased, see our Product & Material Care page.

Bridal Kundan is traditionally worn as a complete set — a statement necklace (often a rani-haar or choker-and-haar layered combination), matching jhumka or chandbali earrings, a maang tikka, and often bangles or a kamarbandh (waist belt). For a modern bridal look, many brides pair a single elaborate Kundan piece (such as a choker) with simpler complementary pieces, rather than wearing every traditional element at once, to balance the outfit's overall weight and let one piece stand out. The right combination generally depends on your outfit's neckline and colour palette — contact us at support@mskundancreation.com if you'd like guidance for a specific look.

Prices vary widely depending on the complexity of the work, the stones used, and whether a piece is fashion jewellery or bridal-grade. As general guidance, machine-made or lightweight Kundan pieces can start in the low thousands of rupees, while elaborate handcrafted bridal sets with intricate stonework can run considerably higher. At MS Kundan Creation, our handcrafted pieces reflect the time and skill of traditional artisanship rather than mass production — browse our collections to see current pricing across our range, or contact us at support@mskundancreation.com for guidance on a specific budget or occasion.

Authentic Kundan and Jadau craftsmanship is increasingly rare, as much of the market has shifted to machine-made imitations. MS Kundan Creation is a family-owned jewellery house, handcrafting Kundan and Jadau pieces since 1987 in Amritsar, Punjab, with an in-house atelier of traditional artisans — Gharaiyas (stone setters), Meenakars (enamel artists), and Sunars (goldsmiths). You can browse and shop our full collection online, or visit our flagship store, Fluorite, in Khan Market, New Delhi.