Kundan and Polki: What Makes Kundan Jewelry and Polki Jewelry Different?

In India, jewelry holds a special place in people’s hearts. It is a thing of beauty and grandeur and carries the roots of tradition, culture, and heritage. Kundan jewelry and Polki jewelry are two such fine examples of the artistic variety and talents in our country. Both styles are born from rich historical eras and have been in trend and fashionable even today. Not only do celebrities and icons are seen sporting Kundan and Polki jewelry but many Indian weddings are considered incomplete if the bride does not have a Kundan or Polki piece in their bridal ensemble. In this article, we will first understand what both these styles are and then delve into some basic areas of difference between the two.

An Overview of Kundan Jewelry

Kundan jewelry is a cherished art form in India. Its origins can be traced back to the royal courts of Rajasthan. Crafted with precision, Kundan pieces showcase a fusion of refined gold and glass stones or semi-precious gemstones. Skilled artisans embed these stones using a technique called "Kundan setting," where the gems are encased in pure gold foil. However, before that, the base is formed by shaping gold into strips or frames. This is also known as Ghaat Patti. The intricate designs and vibrant hues make Kundan jewelry a symbol of opulence and tradition. Typically adorned during special occasions like weddings and festivals, the Kundan set - consisting of necklaces, earrings, and maang tikas reflects timeless elegance and regal charm. Its popularity stems from the exquisite craftsmanship passed down through generations.

An Overview of Polki Jewelry

Polki jewelry is rooted in the rich heritage of India. It uses uncut diamonds in their natural form. It originated during the Mughal era and involved using uncut, flat diamonds. These are then set in detailed patterns on a gold or silver base. The creation process involves delicate craftsmanship, where artisans place these uncut diamonds on a surface. They then encircle them with a fine rim to hold them in place. Unlike Kundan, which uses gold foils to encase gems, Polki retains the natural shape and surface of the diamonds. The stages of making Polki involve 'Thappa' and 'Ghaat,' referring to the technique of setting the diamonds onto the metal surface and creating the base structure. These uncut diamonds are sourced mainly from mines in Golconda.

The Primary Areas of Difference Between Kundan and Polki jewelry

Now, we will list the differences between Kundan and polki jewelry.

• Design and Finish

If we compare the two, polki allows the uncut diamonds to shine in their raw form and features a gold foil at the back. On the other hand, Kundan jewelry involves enameling on the underside, which gives a polished finish to the jewelry.

• Cost and Value

Coming to the cost, polki is priced way higher than Kundan jewelry. This is again because Polki uses uncut diamonds, and gold is also used. On the other hand, Kundan is known to typically use glass stones or semi-precious stones. Hence, the latter can be called more cost-friendly for the majority of Indian households.

• Materials and Weight

Thirdly, polki jewelry is heavier than Kundan jewelry since Polki uses raw diamonds and gold. This also tends to give Polki a luxurious feeling. At the same time, Kundan is lighter than Polki because of the use of glass stones and gold foil. Thus, for anyone looking to avoid getting weighed down by their jewelry, Kundan is the preferred option.

Conclusion 

To sum up our article, we would say that both Kundan and Polki are examples of timeless and valuable craftsmanship of India. Both are unique in their own accord and uphold the ornamental artistry of India. Both are excellent choices for brides-to-be, and one can choose between the Kundan Set and the Polki set based on their individual preferences.