Choosing jewellery for a wedding or celebration? Kundan and Polki can look similar in photographs, but the names do not tell you everything about a piece. The most useful starting point is this: Kundan traditionally describes a setting technique; Polki describes a type of diamond. Contemporary fashion jewellery may borrow either look without using traditional precious materials.
What is the difference between Kundan and Polki?
In traditional craftsmanship, Kundan uses highly refined gold worked around stones to secure them. In retail descriptions, the word can also refer to glass-stone jewellery with that framed, reflective appearance. Polki refers to traditional diamond cuts, often described as uncut, although the diamonds may be sliced, polished or lightly faceted. A Polki diamond can itself be held in a Kundan setting, so the terms are not opposites.
Kundan versus Polki at a glance
| What to compare | Kundan | Polki |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional materials | Refined-gold setting work around glass or gemstones; the term describes the technique, not a guarantee of a particular stone. | Traditional diamond cuts, often foil-backed and set in precious-metal jewellery. Ask about the actual metal and diamond specification. |
| Contemporary fashion jewellery | Kundan-style designs may recreate the look with imitation stones and plated or gold-tone metal. | Polki-style designs may imitate the diamond look with non-diamond stones. “Style” or “inspired” does not mean diamond. |
| Visual cues | Often smooth, reflective stone faces with defined metal borders. | Traditional examples can show irregular outlines and broad, softly reflective surfaces rather than modern brilliant-cut sparkle. |
| Price range | Spans lower-cost fashion pieces through costly precious-metal craftsmanship. The label alone cannot establish a reliable £ range. | Imitation styles and genuine diamond pieces belong to different price brackets. Compare itemised materials, size and workmanship, not the name alone. |
| Authenticity claims | Ask whether the description means traditional gold setting work or a Kundan-inspired appearance, and confirm metal and stone details. | If sold as diamond, request written diamond details and any available independent gemmological documentation. Appearance alone is not proof. |
| Care | Care depends on the stones, backing, plating and construction. Follow the specific piece’s instructions. | Foil-backed and delicate settings need appropriate care. Do not assume that a diamond makes the whole piece suitable for soaking or ultrasonic cleaning. |
Can you tell them apart from a photo?
Photographs can help you compare shapes, borders and the overall effect, but they cannot reliably establish whether a stone is glass or diamond, or whether a metal is solid gold or gold-tone. Lighting, foil backing and editing can change how a piece appears. Treat visual cues as styling clues, not an authenticity test.
How to choose for your occasion
Start with the look you want: a framed, mirror-like finish, a softer traditional diamond effect, or a colourful contemporary statement. Neither name automatically makes a piece better for a bride or wedding guest. Necklace length, earring weight, fastening and the pieces included in a set matter just as much.
For coordinated occasionwear, browse our Indian Necklace Sets and compare each product’s description with your outfit and neckline. For a more elaborate wedding look, explore our Bridal Jewellery and check whether earrings, a maang tikka or other accessories are included. These collections are linked for occasion styling, not as a claim that their pieces contain traditional Kundan goldwork or Polki diamonds.
What to ask before buying
Ask the seller to confirm the base metal, finish, stone material, dimensions, weight and exactly what the set includes. A gold-tone finish describes appearance, not solid gold. Likewise, a gemstone colour name does not by itself establish the stone’s identity.
If you are buying precious jewellery, request written material specifications, any relevant metal-purity documentation and appropriate diamond information. Do not assume a piece has investment or resale value because it is described as Kundan or Polki.
Looking after your jewellery
As a cautious starting point, keep delicate occasion jewellery away from perfume, cosmetics and moisture; put it on after getting ready and store pieces separately. Avoid soaking, chemical dips, steam or ultrasonic cleaning unless the seller confirms that the complete piece is suitable. Ask for material-specific care instructions before cleaning foil-backed, plated or pearl-detailed designs.
The buying rule: choose the appearance you love, then verify the materials you are paying for. A beautiful fashion set does not need to be precious jewellery, but its description should make that distinction clear.
Further reading: GIA on traditional Polki diamond cuts and Aurus on Kundan, Polki and Jadau terminology. This guide explains general terminology and does not certify the materials of an individual Meeraa Jewels piece.