Kundan Jewellery: Timeless trend with a modern Twist!

Originated from the deserted lands of Rajasthan and Gujarat and evolved in the courts of Mughals, Kundan jewellery has always been the favorite of women from eras. Initially, this art form was conceptualized by the master craftsmen and artisans with the use of 24 carat gold and precious stones like uncut diamonds (polkis), rubies, emeralds, sapphires, etc. Earlier, it was a painstaking art and craft form which was made up with unique technique of gemstone studding with the help of silver foil filling to enhance the sheen of the stones and later the jewel pieces were enameled intricately at the back. This one-of-a-kind technique and fine detailing made kundan jewellery much more beautiful than plain gold ones and much coveted works of art for the women round the globe.

Kundan Jewellery— Real Vs. Artificial

Today when gold prices are rocketing sky high and gemstones becoming too rare to possess, artificial kundan jewellery has arrived in the market to change the price scenario. You can get the same luxury and opulent looks without having to bang on your budget. You can add the same aristocracy to your bijoux box without having any royal legacy with ‘not so expensive’ and ‘not at all cheap’ artificial kundan jewellery.

How to team your artificial kundan jewellery with your outfits?

With Indian attires

Kundankari being the antique form of jewellery and one of the oldest trends, it is normally best suited with traditional and ethnic attires, be it a kanjivaram saree or an elaborate embroidered bridal lehenga. You can team a complete necklace-earring set along with your mangtikka and even a big kundan ring with your bridal attire. But for the lighter occasions, just a light necklace with mid length earrings would be more than sufficient with subtle silk, georgette or chiffon saris. You can even team your party wear salwar kamizes and anarkali suits with just a pair of earrings and that would do the rest. While paring artificial kundan jewellery with your Indian outfits, always opt for the ones studded with colored stones (the close replicas of rubies, sapphires and emeralds).

With Western attires

Despite having been originated from Indian roots, kundan jewellery works wonders if worn with classic western outfits. But you have to be careful while choosing the stones as multicolored ones could look tacky and garish if teamed with a black dress. So, you should pick neutral colored opaque (Ps: Avoid shiny ones) stone studded pieces with antique gold finish and enhanced with pearl droplets. Or if you want to go for some colors, then opt for emerald and turquoise look-alike stones as green and blue look great with classic black outfits.  Also, avoid wearing an entire set at the same time. Adorn a heavy kundan choker along with your solid black gown but skip chandelier designer earrings, rather team a pair of solitaire studs to balance the look. Likewise, if you wish to wear heavy kundan earrings with an LBD, just skip the choker. You can even experiment with a heavy kundan choker wearing as an amulet along with a dressy evening gown. But beware! Adding other accessories to the look will end you up in looking like a Christmas tree.

It’s true that the purest of gold when heated up and beaten up the most is called Kundan, but it’s equally true that the niche of fashion could be achieved through costume jewellery as well. And that too, with kundan without spending a million bucks would be definitely called sheer style.