Polki vs Kundan: Which One to Choose?

The wealth and glamour of the Indian aesthetic has been coveted by many for centuries. The temptation of the Indian treasury led diverse communities to engage with each other’s traditions, customs and rituals and allowed fashion to evolve through the influence of various regions. 

For the polki-kundan craft of Jaipur and Bikaner, this too was the case. The polki technique and style were patronised by members of the royal Rajputana clans, and later engaged with Kundan work, in the tributes to the Mughal emperors. 

Many are under the impression that polki ornaments are more valuable than kundan jewellery. The fact that polki is the purest form of raw diamond while kundan works with cut glass is a common misconception. Both techniques have an equally rich history, and work with top-rated certified materials like diamonds and other precious stones. The respective names come from the techniques associated with the craft and hold their rich legacy in place, and both are similarly valuable in terms of cultural history. 

What is Kundan?

Kundan is the name of the technique which originated during a period when gems were manually cut and polished without the help of machines, which allowed for the maker to set the stones in a manner that gives the illusion of perfect symmetry. In current times, both polished glass and thin slices of diamonds can be used for kundan work, which then dictates its value. 

What is Polki?

Polki, in modern terms, is called uncut diamond, which presents a rustic charm instead of the brilliant lustre of a polished diamond. However, it is actually a flat slice of diamond that is cut and faceted only on one side. No two pieces of polki are the same, and they are often set together with pearls in thin gold frames for a royal look. Nowadays, polki works with brilliant hues from carefully handled gemstones, designed often with pearls, to match the splendour of the customs of an Indian wedding. Polki choker sets were in the top wedding trends of 2024. 

So, Polki VS Kundan?

In Gemstones:

Polki and Kundan techniques use the same high-quality gemstones like diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, etc and other semi precious stones. The difference lies in the craftsmanship.

In Polish:

While polki stones have a more subdued lustre, kundan style jewellery has a brighter polish. Both have their unique charms. 

In Craftsmanship:

Polki uses thin gold frames and lets the stones do all the talking for the charm of a natural beauty. Kundan, on the other hand, works in intricate motifs in gold and speaks of meticulous craftsmanship.

In Value & Weight:

Depending upon the grade of materials used, the price may vary but the ranges are mostly similar. The main difference, again, lies in technique and craft instead of material. 

Finally, in Style:

The most important distinction between the two styles depends on what aesthetic needs are important to you. You go for a full polki choker and earring set, complete with baalis and the polki ring, or you can opt for the head-to-toe vibrancy of kundan jewellery sets. Both polki and kundan techniques have been incorporated into a variety of styles: the opulent dangler perfect for the bold bride, the classic chandbali for the timeless beauty or this chandelier style for eternal elegance. 

For your essential polki-kundan wedding needs, the collection of 2025 from ShopJBR meets them all— trendy, classic and timeless.