Polki vs Kundan: What’s the Difference?
South Asian jewelry is rich with history, craftsmanship, and meaning. Two of the most common and often misunderstood styles are polki jewelry and kundan jewelry. While they are frequently mentioned together, polki and kundan differ in materials, technique, and overall aesthetic.
Understanding the difference between polki and kundan helps you choose jewelry that aligns with your personal style, the occasion, and your budget — whether you are shopping for a wedding, a celebration, or a statement piece you will wear for years.
What Is Polki Jewelry?
Polki jewelry is crafted using uncut, natural diamonds set in gold. These diamonds are not faceted or polished in the modern Western sense, which gives polki its signature soft, organic sparkle. Traditionally, polki is made using the jadau jewelry technique, where stones are set by hand and often backed with gold foil to enhance their natural glow.
Polki is considered one of the most premium forms of Indian jewelry and is most commonly worn by brides or for major life celebrations. Because each uncut diamond is unique, polki jewelry feels deeply personal and heirloom-worthy — traditional, yet timeless.
Key characteristics of polki jewelry:
- Uncut, natural diamonds
- Set in gold using traditional jadau craftsmanship
- Subtle, luminous sparkle rather than high shine
- Typically a higher price point
- Often passed down across generations.
Inside Almaari note: Polki jewelry is high-ticket and is often passed down across generations.
What Is Kundan Jewelry?
Kundan jewelry uses glass stones or gemstones set into gold or gold-plated bases using refined lac or wax techniques. The stones are polished for a high-shine finish and are often paired with colorful enamel work, known as meenakari, on the reverse side. This makes kundan jewelry decorative from every angle.
Kundan has long been favored for its bold silhouettes and accessibility. It allows for elaborate designs and statement pieces without the cost of natural diamonds, making it a popular choice for weddings, festive events, and modern styling.
Key characteristics of kundan jewelry:
- Glass stones or gemstones
- Gold or gold-plated settings
- High-shine, reflective appearance
- More accessible price point
Inside Almaari note: Kundan jewelry is ideal for experimenting with scale, color, and trend-driven designs.
Today, many designers reinterpret kundan techniques using modern stones like moissanite, offering the look of traditional kundan with enhanced durability and brilliance.
Polki vs Kundan: What’s the Difference?
While both styles are rooted in royal Indian craftsmanship, the key difference lies in the stone and finish.
Polki jewelry offers understated luxury through natural diamonds and a softer, more organic glow. Kundan jewelry delivers drama and brilliance with polished stones, ornate detailing, and bold silhouettes. Both are traditional, but each creates a very different visual impact.
Polki is often chosen for bridal heirlooms or investment pieces. Kundan is favored for versatility, styling flexibility, and statement looks without fine-diamond pricing.
Which Should You Choose?
You don’t need to choose one or the other.
Polki jewelry is typically a long-term investment and a high-ticket purchase meant to be treasured. Kundan jewelry is more affordable, high-shine, and perfect for building a versatile collection you can style across multiple occasions. Many modern wardrobes include both, chosen intentionally based on the event, point of purchase, and personal style.
At Almaari, we curate South Asian jewelry with intention, focusing on craftsmanship, wearability, and an aesthetic tailored to the diaspora. Whether you are drawn to the heritage of polki or the versatility of kundan, understanding the difference allows you to build a collection that feels personal, modern, and timeless.