Polki, Kundan, and Jadau: What Makes Them the Jewels of Indian Heritage?

India has a rich cultural history deeply ingrained in its jewelry traditions, whereby Polki, Kundan, and Jadau have long held a regal position. Though these names could bring up visions of gorgeous royal regalia and bridal adornments, these jewelry styles are far more complex than they first appear.

Let's explore Polki, Kundan, and Jadau's intriguing universe and learn the mysteries that give them their timeless value.

1. Polki

A tribute to the unadulterated beauty of uncut diamonds is polki jewelry. Polki diamonds are unpolished and preserve their original shape, unlike the glittering, faceted diamonds that are more widely seen. Polki jewelry has a unique, rustic beauty because of this.

Did you know?

With a history going back to ancient India, polki diamonds are one of the most ancient types of diamond cutting. Because of their pure nature, the royals have always preferred them.

Typically, the diamonds are set on gold foil, which reflects light and intensifies their brightness to produce an enthralling visual.

What distinguishes Polki?

Polki, in contrast to other diamond jewelry, is renowned for its earthy, opaque appeal, which makes it ideal for people who value subtle elegance.

2. Kundan: The Art of Layered Luxury

The elaborate setting method used in kundan jewelry, which embeds jewels in a base of pure gold, is well known. The royal courts of Rajasthan and Gujarat are thought to be the birthplaces of this antiquated art form.

Did you know?

The molten gold used to mount the gemstones is referred to as "Kundan" because it is extremely pure and purified. Carefully setting each stone inside a gold frame is the first step in the procedure. Next, a layer of lac, a natural resin, is applied to the reverse, and finally, another layer of gold foil is applied.

What distinguishes Kundan from others?

The distinctive quality of Kundan jewelry is its craftsmanship. The jewelry is opulent and rich in history as a result of the meticulous attention to detail and labor-intensive procedure. The history of Indian craftsmanship is carried down through the centuries with kundan pieces.

3. Jadau: The Mergence of Traditions

Jadau is a method that combines several forms and styles rather than just a certain kind of jewelry. The setting procedure used in Kundan and Polki jewelry is referred to as "Jadau". Jadau is a Mughal-era art genre that combines Persian and Indian elements.

Did you know?

Many times, a group of artisans with specialized knowledge in different aspects of the process—such as engraving, setting, enameling, and polishing—work together to create jadau jewelry.

The elaborate creations created by this teamwork are truly wearable works of art.

Why is Jadau special?

The Jadau technique makes it possible to combine Polki and Kundan styles, producing intricate and highly sought-after designs. Jadau items are reversible and adaptable due to the use of enamel work, or Meenakari, on the reverse side of the jewelry, which adds an additional layer of beauty.