Jadau, Kundan & Polki 💎: Know the Difference Before You Buy

💎Jadau, Kundan, and Polki - The Real Difference Explained

If you've ever browsed traditional Indian jewellery online or in stores, you’ve likely heard terms like Kundan, Jadau, and Polki - sometimes even used interchangeably.

But did you know... Kundan is not a stone at all?

In this post, we break down this often-confused topic and explain what these terms really mean. If you're buying heritage or bridal jewellery, this knowledge can help you make a smarter choice - and maybe even impress your jeweller!

Jadau, Kundan, & Polki: The Real Differences

❗ Common Misconceptions

Many sellers or marketers (especially online) with no jewellery background incorrectly label glass-filled or enamelled jewellery as “Kundan stones”.

Often, you’ll see ads saying:
“Necklace made with Kundan stones” ❌

Whereas it should actually be:
“Kundan Work with red stones” ✅

This confusion is widespread even among retail brands and small sellers.

📚 Historical & Technical Clarification

There are primarily two types of jewellery-making methods when it comes to embedding stones:

1️⃣ Stone Setting (Modern Technique)

This setting work:

• Involves a mechanical setting using prongs, channels, or glue

• Often uses synthetic or semi-precious stones

• Is common in affordable, commercial jewellery

2️⃣ Jadau Work (Traditional Art)

• Uses lac (laakh) as a base, and pure 24K gold foil (Kundan) to hold stones

• Embedded stones can be glass, rubies, emeralds, or uncut diamonds (Polki)

• Jadau is a centuries-old heritage technique

🔸 What Is Jadau? (The Craft of Embedding Stones)

Contrary to popular belief, Jadau is not a type of jewellery or stone - it's a handcrafted technique.

Originating in the royal courts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, and later refined during the Mughal era. Jadau jewellery involves:

• Crafting a metal frame (usually gold)

• Filling the frame with lac

• Embedding the chosen stones into the lac

• Sealing the setting with Kundan - molten gold foil

• Beautifying the back with meenakari (enamel art)

✔️ Jadau = Process
✔️ Kundan = Gold Foil
✔️ Stones = Can be Polki, rubies, glass, etc.

🔶 What is Kundan? (The Royal Glow)

Kundan is not a stone - it’s ultra-pure 24K molten gold foil used to secure stones in Jadau work.

✨ Soft and flexible, Kundan:

• Lines and secures stones without glue or prongs

• Fills gaps between stones and the frame

• Adds a glowing golden aura to the piece

Kundan ≠ Gemstone
Avoid falling for misleading terms like “Kundan stones.” The correct term is Kundan work with [type of stone].

🔸 What is Polki? (The Rustic Radiance) 💠

Polki refers to raw, uncut, natural diamonds - not polished or lab-grown.

• Retains natural inclusions and rustic charm

• Often used in bridal and heritage jewellery

• Set using Jadau technique with Kundan foil

🪷 In a Polki necklace: 

• The diamond is Polki
• The foil around it is Kundan
• The process of setting is Jadau

Kundan vs Polki vs Jadau: The Confusion

🔍 Real Examples 🛍

✅ Kundan Work Necklace = Glass stones with gold foil
✅ Polki Jadau Set = Polki diamond set using the Jadau technique
❌ “Kundan Stone Necklace” = Marketing error if it uses colored glass

💬 Zewarsthan Tip:

Kundan is not a gemstone; it’s a gold foil that gives brilliance to your stone setting. Jadau is the age-old technique of embedding. Polki is a raw diamond, so do not be confused with either.

💡 Zewarsthan Insight:

We create jewellery using authentic Jadau craftsmanship, real Kundan gold foil, and ethically sourced stones, including Polki and other precious gems. At Zewarsthan, you get heritage, not hype.

🤝 Final Thought

Understanding these terms matters - not just for authenticity, but for value. Kundan work jewellery carries a rich heritage and craftsmanship. So the next time you hear "Kundan stone," you’ll know better:

It's not the stone - it's the soul of the setting.

🔑 Your Queries Answered:

✅ What is the difference between Kundan and Polki?
✅ What is Jadau jewellery?
✅ Is Kundan a stone? (No!)
✅ How to identify real Kundan work?
✅ Traditional Indian jewellery types
✅ Heritage jewellery India