Polki vs Kundan vs Jadau Bridal Jewellery: Delhi Guide
Sun Sea Jewellers, Karol Bagh, New Delhi · 12 August 2026
These three words get thrown around interchangeably by shoppers, and inconsistently by some sellers — which makes bridal jewellery shopping more confusing than it needs to be. Here's the actual distinction, in plain terms.
Kundan: The Technique That Uses Glass or Semi-Precious Stones
Kundan jewellery sets coloured glass or semi-precious stones into gold foil. It's visually rich, lighter on the wallet than Polki, and remains a hugely popular choice for both bridal sets and lighter trousseau pieces. Kundan is not "fake" or lesser — it's a genuine centuries-old technique, just built around a different (less expensive) stone material than Polki.
Polki: Real, Uncut Diamonds
Polki uses uncut, natural diamonds — not cut and polished like a solitaire, but in their raw faceted form — set in gold. This is the core reason Polki costs meaningfully more than Kundan for a visually similar piece: you're paying for real diamond content, not glass. Polki is the traditional choice for a statement bridal set meant to be an heirloom.
Jadau: The Setting Technique, Not a Stone
This is the one most buyers get wrong. Jadau isn't a type of stone — it's the traditional hand-setting technique used to mount stones (Kundan or Polki) into gold without adhesive, purely through hand-worked gold work. You'll see "Kundan Jadau" or "Polki Jadau" used to describe how a piece was actually constructed. A heavily layered, ornate bridal set is often Jadau work regardless of which stone type it uses.
Which Suits Which Bridal Outfit
- Heavily embroidered lehenga (dense zardozi, gota, or resham work): Polki or Jadau — the jewellery needs visual weight to match the outfit.
- Lighter, more contemporary bridal wear: Kundan — proportionate richness without overwhelming a simpler outfit.
- Fusion or western-leaning wedding events (reception, sangeet): a solitaire set instead of any of the three — cleaner, modern, and wearable well beyond the wedding.
The Real Cost Driver, in Order
Jadau-set Polki with heavy layering costs the most (real diamond content + intensive handwork). Simple Polki without heavy Jadau layering sits in the middle. Kundan, in any setting style, is the most accessible entry point into this category. If budget is the primary constraint, start the conversation there rather than getting attached to a specific look before knowing what it costs.
Quick FAQ
Is Kundan jewellery fake or artificial?
No — it's a genuine traditional technique using coloured glass or semi-precious stones set in gold foil. It's a different material choice from Polki, not an inferior imitation of it.
Can Kundan and Polki be combined in one set?
Yes, and it's common — a necklace might use Polki as the centrepiece with Kundan detailing elsewhere, both mounted using Jadau technique.
Is Jadau always more expensive?
Jadau work adds cost due to the intensive handcraft involved, but the bigger cost driver is still whether the stones underneath are Polki (real diamonds) or Kundan (glass/semi-precious) — Jadau Kundan can still be more accessible than plain Polki.
Visit Sun Sea Jewellers in Karol Bagh, Delhi
Sun Sea Jewellers has been in Karol Bagh, New Delhi since 1984. Our showroom is at 2659, Gurudwara Rd, Block 46, Beadonpura, Karol Bagh, New Delhi 110005, open Tuesday to Sunday, 11:30 am to 7:30 pm (closed Mondays). See hours, the map and directions on our Karol Bagh showroom page, or call +91 88608 66000 before you come.