Intricately encrusted in glowing gems, Kundan jewellery illuminates any outfit with lavish elegance. These ornate Indian accessories embed stones in delicate gold or silver in a style that has bedazzled for centuries. If your jewelry collection needs some celebritious sparkle, explore the rich tradition of Kundan and how to rock five essential statement pieces.
What is Kundan Jewellery?
"Kundan" refers to the historic jewelry technique of setting eye-catching stones in carat gold or sterling silver using only thin 24K burnished gold foil between each piece to hold everything together. This tension method allows creating lightweight, danceworthy pieces.
Artisans handcraft each Kundan base, whether necklaces, earrings or rings, by carving out negative spaces along the undersides. Gems then get custom cut to fit these placement hollows for maximum light amplification. Everything from expect diamond cuts to unusual asymmetry appears throughout heritage Kundan.
Beyond the mesmerizing artistry, Kundan also signifies milestones. Its celestial sparkle features prominently in bridal sets as well as spiritual amulets depending on the blessing associated with each auspicious stone. Investing in Kundan means honoring Indian culture through every gleaming accessory.
Earrings: Lotus Bud Posts
No Indian jewelry box feels complete without timelessly elegant studs. Lotus bud earrings feature petite clustered gems shaping delicate petals. These posts add just enough shine for daily wear without overpowering. Choose diamond, ruby or sapphire colors based on astrological stone wisdom or simply personal preference!
Necklace: Princess Line Choker
Sit close to the base of the neck for maximum impact. A choker length puts the focus directly on Kundan’s brilliant handiwork. The princess line necklace features a single line of uniformly sized gems for balance. Diamonds and emeralds suit both traditional saris as well as Little Black Dress necklines.
Bangles: Open Design Kada
Open design kada bangles add musicality with their delicate tinkling. Unlike solid bands, the negative space imparts lightness and reveals more skin for layering contrast. Line emerald and ruby tennis bracelets alongside diamonds or pearls. This arm party combines picture-perfect Indian opulence with movement.
Earrings: Tasseled Chandeliers
Bring some dramatic swing to garden parties and weddings. Tasseled chandelier earrings incorporate diamond baguettes, gold beads and pearl fringe. As fun earrings sway, different textures catch and reflect surrounding light. The mix of white gold and silver metals modernizes the look.
Necklace: Multi-Row Bib
Go heavyweight at formal occasions with an engraved bib design dripping in gems. Bib necklaces draw the eye down chest focal points. Combining multiple strands, like a diamond choker above an emerald princess cut V, creates lavish dimension. Intersperse colors and shapes for depth and interest. The weight sits comfortably on shoulders without tugging ears.
Hairpiece: Passa with Maang Tikka
Many Indian brides embellish hair parts with dazzling hair jewelry. The passa pieces frame the face similarly to tiaras while attaching to braids. Affix the coordinating maang teeka pendant at the hair part using floral combs for stability. Enclosures studded in small diamonds or carved rubies suit fine hair without pulling. Display this hair jewelry off an updo.
Finish Captivating Kundan Looks
Mix different Gemstone Motifs
Kundan patterns encode spiritual symbols from nature, religion and mythology within the designs. Lotuses bring purity as do elephants with their strength. Intertwine these in jewelry sets for layered meaning.
Invest in an Heirloom Bridal Set
Pass down statement diamonds, colorful gem bibs and bangles for generations. Many Indian brides don heirloom sets from mothers and grandmothers as “something old” bridal traditions.
Play with Statement Silhouettes
Eye-catching shapes like oval links, cutout hexagons or scalloped edges catch surrounding light uniquely. Geometric patterns feel modern while still nodding heritage.
Layer Contrasting Metals
Blending white gold, yellow gold and sterling silver metals provides depth and interest. Certain skin tones also pair better with rose over yellow. Mix metals across necklaces, earrings and bangles.
Kundan jewelry never fails at captivating with its celestial sparkle. Let this guide help demystify the possibilities of Kundan so you can curate an heirloom collection carrying personal symbolism through the ages. Dress up your jewelry box with these essential gem-encrusted statement pieces from India’s lavish jewelry legacy. Their radiance both illuminates and amplifies.
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