Artificial Kundan Jewellery: What It Is, What It's Made Of and How to Care for It

"Artificial kundan" is one of the most searched phrases in Indian jewellery, and it covers a wide range of quality. This guide explains what artificial kundan jewellery is, how it differs from traditional kundan and polki, what to check on a product listing, and how to make a set last.

Saloni's kundan range is in kundan jewellery and kundan necklace sets. It is fashion jewellery: a brass base with gold, antique-gold or silver plating, set with kundan-style stones and, on some designs, CZ, pearls or mother of pearl. It is not solid gold.

What is artificial kundan jewellery?

Kundan is a traditional Indian setting technique in which stones are held in a bed of gold rather than by prongs, giving the flat, framed look associated with Rajasthan and Mughal-era jewellery. Artificial kundan copies that look using glass or crystal stones set in a plated base metal, usually brass or alloy. The design language is the same; the materials and price are not.

How is it different from real kundan and polki?

Traditional kundan is fine jewellery, made with stones set in pure gold foil, and it is priced by gold weight and craftsmanship. Polki uses uncut diamonds and is a further step up. Artificial kundan is fashion jewellery: no bullion value, but the design, colour and finish of traditional pieces at a fraction of the cost. That is why many people own several artificial sets in different colours and keep real gold for a few special pieces. Our guide to kundan vs polki vs American diamond compares them in detail, and fashion vs imitation vs artificial jewellery explains the terms.

What is it made of?

A brass or alloy base, plated in gold, antique gold, rose gold or silver, with stones set into it. Stones are usually glass or crystal in kundan style, sometimes with CZ, pearls, mother of pearl or meenakari enamel. The material and plating for each piece are listed on its product page. To understand the finishes, read gold plated vs rhodium vs oxidised silver.

What to check before you buy

1. Does the listing say what the base metal and plating are, or does it only say "gold"?
2. Does it say what is included: necklace, earrings, maang tikka?
3. Are there clear photographs of the back and clasp, not only the front?
4. Is the seller honest that it is fashion jewellery and not solid gold?
5. Is there a clear policy if something arrives damaged or not as ordered?

More detail in how to check imitation jewellery quality before buying.

How long does artificial kundan jewellery last?

It depends far more on care than on the set. Plating wears fastest with water, sweat, perfume, hairspray and cosmetics. Kept dry, worn last, wiped after use and stored separately, a set lasts for many wearings; worn in the shower or stored loose, it will not. Stone settings can also loosen if the piece is dropped or soaked.

How to store and clean a kundan set

1. Put jewellery on after perfume, hairspray and makeup.
2. Wipe stones and metal with a dry soft cloth after wearing.
3. Store each piece flat in its own soft pouch, away from moisture.
4. Avoid soaking, dipping in water or using chemical cleaners.

The full routine is in how to care for gold-plated jewellery. If a piece leaves a mark on your skin, see why fashion jewellery turns skin green or black.

Frequently asked questions

Is artificial kundan jewellery real gold?

No. Traditional kundan is fine jewellery with stones set in pure gold foil. Artificial kundan uses glass or crystal stones in a plated brass base and is not solid gold.

What is the difference between kundan, artificial kundan and polki?

Kundan is a setting technique; polki uses uncut diamonds; artificial kundan copies the look with glass or crystal stones in plated brass at a fraction of the cost.

Does artificial kundan jewellery tarnish?

The plating can dull over time, mainly from water, sweat and perfume. Keeping it dry and stored separately slows this.

Can I wear artificial kundan jewellery for a wedding?

Yes. Many brides and wedding guests wear artificial kundan sets, especially for mehndi, haldi and sangeet.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Most people wear it without any issue, but anyone with a known nickel sensitivity should be cautious with extended wear, particularly for earrings.