What is the Difference Between Polki and Kundan

Polki and Kundan are two of the most popular and traditional styles of Indian jewelry. They may look similar at first glance, but they use different materials and crafting methods. Therefore, Polki is not the same as Kundan.

What is the difference between Polki and Kundan? Polki uses real uncut diamonds, while Kundan is made with gemstones or polished glass stones set in gold foil.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Polki  
     – Definition, Features, Design
2. What is Kundan
     – Definition, Features, Design
3. Similarities Between Polki and Kundan
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Polki and Kundan
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Polki and Kundan
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Polki, Kundan, Jewelry 

What Is Polki Jewelry

Polki jewelry is made using uncut and unpolished diamonds in their natural form. These diamonds are used just as they are—without any chemical or physical treatment. This gives them a raw, earthy look. Each polki diamond is shaped to match its original structure, so no two pieces are exactly the same. This makes every piece of polki jewelry unique and one-of-a-kind.

Polki is actually one of the oldest types of diamond cuts. It originated in India, long before modern diamond-cutting techniques were introduced in the West. As polkis are in their purest and most natural form, they are also very expensive. Many polki designs are decorated with pearls, precious stones, and gold.

Polki jewelry is made using traditional Indian techniques like jadau, badroom, and takkar. In jadau, polki diamonds are set on gold or silver foil, which makes them reflect light and shine beautifully. The badroom setting uses a jaali (net-like) pattern where the diamonds are held with 24K gold. In the takkar setting, polkis are placed edge to edge without using any metal between them.

What is Kundan

Kundan jewelry is one of the oldest and most famous types of traditional Indian jewelry. It is known for its royal look, as it originally came from the royal courts of Rajasthan many centuries ago. In fact, Kundan jewelry has a history of over 2,500 years. It is made using high-quality gemstones or glass pieces, which are set into a base of pure gold.

The word “Kundan” means pure gold in Sanskrit. The name reflects the way this jewelry is made—by carefully placing stones into a base using very fine, highly refined gold foil. This special technique, called Kundankari, involves layering thin sheets of gold around the stones to hold them in place and make them shine even more.

What makes Kundan unique is its cold setting process. Instead of using heat, artisans layer the gold foil between the gemstones and the base, creating a smooth, glowing frame. The front of the jewelry is decorated with a stone design, while the back is often enameled with bright colors, adding to its beauty.

Similarities Between Polki and Kundan

1. Both are traditional Indian jewelry styles with a long history.
2. They are handmade by skilled artisans using old techniques.
3. Both are set in gold foil.
4. They are often worn at weddings and festivals.
5. Designs can include pearls, enamel work, or colorful details.

Difference Between Polki and Kundan

Definition

• Polki is traditional Indian jewelry made with real, uncut natural diamonds set in gold, whereas Kundan is jewelry made using polished glass stones set in layers of gold foil.

Core Material

• Kundan jewelry uses gemstones or glass stones polished to look like gems, set in gold. Polki jewelry uses natural, uncut diamonds (polkis) in their raw form.

Crafting

• Kundan is made using lac (a type of resin) as the base, with gold foil layered to hold the stones, whereas polki jewelry is made by setting raw diamonds directly into solid gold, without the use of lac.

Price

• Kundan is generally more affordable, but Polki is much more expensive.

Weight

• Kundan jewelry is lighter, whereas Polki jewelry is heavier.

Appearance

• Kundan has a bright, glossy finish with colorful designs that sparkle in light, while Polki has a soft, natural shine and a more understated, elegant look.

Durability

• Kundan is more delicate and can be damaged by moisture or pressure, while Polki is more durable and can last for generations when properly cared for.

Maintenance and Care

• Kundan requires gentle care and must be kept away from moisture to prevent damage. Polki is easier to maintain, though professional cleaning is recommended for diamonds.

FAQ: Polki and Kundan

1. Is Polki or Kundan more expensive?

Polki is more expensive than Kundan because it is made with real, uncut diamonds and set in pure gold. Kundan, on the other hand, often uses glass stones and is more affordable.

2. Is Polki worth buying?

If you’re looking for something luxurious, traditional, and durable, Polki jewelry is worth buying. It’s made with real uncut diamonds and gold, so it holds high value over time. Polki pieces can also be passed down as family heirlooms.

3. Is Polki a real diamond?

Yes, Polki is a real diamond, but it’s different from modern diamonds. Polki diamonds are uncut and unpolished. They are kept in their natural form without any chemical treatment. This gives them a raw, antique look.

4. Why does Polki turn black?

Polki jewelry can turn black over time due to exposure to moisture, sweat, perfume, or air. This affects the lac and gold foil base used in the setting, not the diamond itself. To keep your Polki shiny, store it in a dry, airtight box and avoid contact with water or chemicals.

Reference:

1. “What are the Types of Kundan Stones?” Glitzica.

2. “Polki jewellery 101: Things you should know before you invest in traditional accents.” Vogue India.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Beautiful Necklace” (CC0) via Pixahive

2. “British Museum The Islamic world Necklace Kundan India 21022019 7703” By Vassil – Own work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia