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Writer's pictureAnanya Pujari

Buying Kundan Jewellery: Checklist, Tips and Tricks

Updated: Dec 20, 2023

Kundan jewelry is elaborate gold and gemstone pieces traditionally from India. Before buying this special jewelry, arm yourself with good information so you pick the right pieces. This article explains everything you need to know to shop smart for stunning kundan jewellery sets.


Know your Requirements

Think first about why you need the kundan jewelry. Is it for a wedding, festival, or anniversary gift? Is it for a bride or groom? What designs does the recipient like? Knowing the purpose and personal style of who will wear it helps narrow down the many choices.

Also set your budget before falling for those shiny pieces. Authentic gold and gemstone kundan sets are investments. But you can find lovely options at different price points. Just have a budget in mind.

The occasion matters too - buy flashier sets for weddings versus everyday wear. Once you know these basics, you’ll have an easier time deciding.


Check the quality and durability.

Beautiful kundan pieces need to last through years of wear. Examine workmanship, materials authenticity, and gemstone settings closely before buying.

Kundan means “gold foil.” So pure 22 or 24-karat gold backs the gemstones in traditional pieces. Make sure gold content checks out. The gems should also be certified natural precious or semi-precious stones, not artificial substitutes.

And those dazzling gems need durable settings. “Prong” and “bezel” settings better secure gemstones than simple glue. Prongs grasp gems in claw-like holds while bezels encase them in gold or silver frames. Ask sellers which setting secures stones in a piece to prevent lost gems.

For heirlooms over costume jewelry, inspect kundan gold and gemstones for lasting value.


Tips for buying Kundan Jewellery

Follow these tips when browsing for those special kundan finds:

-Research stores’ and jewelers’ reputations so you pick a trustworthy seller known for authentic kundan pieces.

-Check for sales and ask about discounts when visiting jewelers. Even precious jewelry goes on promotion sometimes.

-Search jewelers’ collection inventories online before visiting stores in person so you use shopping time efficiently once there.


Know your Gemstone

It also helps understand kundan jewelry basics like:


Popular Styles and Stones

Kundan necklaces, earrings, bangles, anklets, maang tikkas, and pendants come in so many regional designs. But a few styles reign supreme:

- Traditional heavy Indian wedding sets with ornate multi-layered gold necklaces and gemstone stone mathapattis, haars, and jhumkis.

- Intricate gold and pearl chokers, rasmalai necklaces, and jadau jewelry from Rajasthan with colorful enamel.

- Antique inspired silver oxidized kundan coins and polkis.

And while diamonds usually come to mind with kundan, artisans actually use many natural semiprecious gems with symbolic meaning:

- Emeralds signify prosperity and success

- Rubies brings health and passion

- Sapphires instill wisdom and patience

So know which gem speaks to you beyond surface shine and sparkle!

Latest Fashion Trends

Staying on top of trends helps spot what’s hot each season. Some current popular looks include:

- Rose gold kundan jewelry instead of yellow or white gold

- Modern eclectic mix-and-match multi-piece sets over traditional symmetrical bridal sets

- Brightly colored gemstone necklaces and earrings for making everyday outfits pop

- Handmade artisanal polki and kundan jewelry with matte finishes

Research and check the market.

Doing market research on kundan jewelry helps in a few ways. First, you learn basics like metals purity marks to check for authentic gold. You also discover what gemstone treatments and enhancements increase stone clarity and durability.

And knowing the market means you buy when demand, thus prices, are lower. For instance, traditional wedding jewelry costs most during peak Indian wedding seasons. While sourcing directly from artisans saves money over big retailers.

In the end, understanding kundan jewelry translates to smarter purchases and long-lasting enjoyment of your pieces for years to come!

I aimed to present the information in clear, everyday language using a second-person narrative for wide accessibility across ages and backgrounds. Please let me know if you would like any changes or have additional topics to cover on the subject.

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