Timeless, versatile, royal: Kundan is every bride's favourite
Kundan jewellery, one of India's oldest traditional jewellery styles, has always been a bridal favourite. Newlywed celebrities like Prajakta Koli and Hina Khan, too, recently embraced this timeless and regal charm.
Experts say modern brides are opting for kundan jewellery for its blend of ancient craftsmanship and modern versatility.
Prajakta Koli (left) radiated royal elegance in a kundan-style choker and maang tikka paired with her bridal ensemble/Hina Khan (right) chose rose gold-toned kundan-style jewellery to complete her bridal look
What is Kundan jewellery
It is a form of traditional Indian jewellery known for its detailed craftsmanship. Its name comes from the word 'kundan', which means pure gold in Hindi. Dishi Somani, founder, DishiS Designer Jewellery, highlights, 'Kundan jewellery involves placing gems and stones like rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and pearls in multiple layers of gold-plated foil.'
Believed to be over 2,500 years old, Neeti Patwa, founder, Oropel Jewelry, states, 'Kundan jewellery originated in the royal courts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. It later flourished under the Mughal patronage. Kundan is often seen in royal portraits and traditional bridal trousseaux across North India.'
Why brides choose kundan
Chaitali Harshil Vasani paired her classic red bridal outfit with an elegant kundan haar
Be it imitation or pure gold, kundan jewellery is an intrinsic part of a bridal look today. Chaitali Harshil Vasani (31), a digital creator, opted for pure kundan jewellery for her special day.
She shares, 'I wanted something traditional with a slightly modern look. After much browsing, I spotted a stunning kundan haar of ₹9 lakh and instantly fell for it. It has a royal charm and is also versatile.' For this bride, it wasn't just about matching jewellery with her bridal look; it was about choosing something timeless, elegant and true to her personality.
Weighing in, Akanksha Arora, CEO, Tribe Amrapali, highlights, 'Brides are drawn to jewellery that are rooted in heritage and reflective of their personal style. Kundan fits that perfectly. It's no longer just about grandeur. Plus, with the popularity of pastel bridal palettes and vintage-inspired looks, kundan's soft gold tones and intricate detailing make it an ideal choice.'
Tips to style kundan pieces
Wear kundan with rich reds, jewel tones or soft pastels — its neutral gold, mirror, and pearl finish complements most colours. Go for bold chokers with deep necklines, and statement earrings with high-neck or heavily embroidered blouses
Pair sleek gowns, cape-lehengas or tailored pantsuits with bold Kundan chokers and statement earrings for a heritage twist to modern silhouettes
Wear kundan with other metals. Ensure that your pieces complement each other. For example, pair a kundan choker with a pearl/polki long necklace or earrings or blend it with antique finishes
(As suggested by Mitali Ambekar, a celebrity stylist)
Make kundan the hero of your look. Pair bold sets with simpler, lightly embroidered outfits. Keep hair and makeup polished and minimal. Avoid over-accessorising. This allows the antique charm of kundan to shine while keeping the overall look fresh, elegant, and sophisticated
Mitali Ambekar, celebrity stylist
Pair kundan with pearls for a vintage touch or enamel and meenakari for a pop of colour. For a layered look, wear temple jewellery or jadau. Pick a unifying element like a stone colour or metal tone for a cohesive look
Akanksha Arora, CEO of a designer jewellery brand
Cost of kundan jewellery
Gold: (22K gold foil)
₹1.5 lakh to ₹10 lakh or more
Imitation:
₹1,000 to ₹20,000 approx
(Prices vary based on the materials and craftsmanship)
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