Kundan Jewellery: A Timeless Art and Craftsmanship

EVOLUTION: A BRIEF HISTORY OF KUNDAN JEWELLERY

A type of gold jewellery known as Kundan typically has a wax core. Since the word "Kundan" itself refers to highly refined pure gold, this kind of jewellery typically uses 24k pure gold. With a long history dating back more than 2,500 years, Kundan jewellery is one of the oldest types of jewellery in India. Only the jadayi portion, which is finally referred to as Kundan, is done in 24 karat gold because the rest of the jewellery cannot be manufactured from it because it is a little softer. Jadau jewellery is another name for the craft of creating Kundan.

HISTORY OF KUNDAN JEWELLERY

Kundan jewellery is one of the earliest types of jewellery made in India, with origins in the Rajput and Mughal eras. The Mughals' support allowed this style to flourish after it was introduced to the nation many years ago. Royal families in India successfully adapted it after then. The art and craftsmanship from the Mughal and Rajput eras may still be seen in this type of jewellery today.

CRAFTING PROCEDURE OF KUNDAN JEWELLERY

Making ghat in 22 karat gold, often referred to as gadhayi—individual pieces built with golden strips—is the first step in the creation of Kundan jewellery. Thin golden strips that are chopped, coiled, and moulded into the shape of a common mould-like framework are used to create the image. The most crucial action to lay the piece's groundwork is this one. In the second process, called khudayi, the exterior surface is engraved with the necessary patterns and designs. This procedure involves filling the framework with gold or lac (a form of wax), which is then etched. This technique essentially entails etching the intended pattern or design onto the jewellery item's surface.

The carved designs on the gold surface are then filled with various natural colours in a process called Meenakari. Finally, jadayi is performed to put expensive, rare stones like diamonds, polkis, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies in the piece of jewellery in order to accentuate its beauty. In this method, the gem is set by sandwiching a gold foil between the stones and their mounting. Then, for enough grip, they are positioned on the jewellery item's surface and supported by the gold foiling.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CRAFT ONE PIECE OF KUNDAN JEWELLERY?

The delicate nature of Kundan pieces necessitates a lot of specialised labour. Each piece is hand-finished, requiring many hours of labour from talented craftspeople. Depending on the level of expertise and the complexity of the desired design, it may take two to four months to create a modest piece of Kundan jewellery.

MOTIFS USED IN KUNDAN JEWELLERY

There are no set standards for using particular motifs in Kundan jewellery. Nature and architecture are the most typical sources of inspiration, nevertheless. The themes are built using various elements of these, with florals being a favoured motif again and time again. Usually, the motifs of the pieces immortalise the lovely forms of tulips, lotuses, and carnations.

EVOLUTION OF THE ART OF KUNDAN

Kundan jewellery has historically featured extremely elaborate and exquisite motifs. It used to be made only for royal families. This jewellery design has changed over time and has even been imitated in silver metal, expanding to silver wedding jewellery markets. When commercialisation gained hold, the average person could also purchase this type of jewellery. The level of craftsmanship has decreased in contrast to earlier times as accessibility has expanded. Only chosen craftspeople may now be relied upon to provide genuine, high-quality work. An item that used to take three to four months to create should ideally be produced in one month.

REAL - FAKE KUNDAN IDENTIFICATION

Having a thorough knowledge of authentic Kundan jewellery is crucial when shopping. To distinguish between fake and authentic pieces, one must fundamentally understand jewellery and craftsmanship. Kundan jewellery should, however, come with quality certifications from the jeweller since it is set in 24-carat gold. To reduce the possibility of fake jewellery, you may also look for genuine stamps on the jewellery.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF KUNDAN JEWELLERY FOR BRIDES

Kundan is frequently used at weddings because of its refined and graceful appearance. Indian traditional jewellery has always been quite bulky and made up of large gold pieces. Kundan silver jewellery is currently being made lighter in weight with time, and Indian brides are once again embracing it, often paired with silver wedding jewellery to achieve a balanced look. Every bride wants to shine on her wedding day, and royals prefer this jewellery style for a reason. Heavy diamond sets frequently do not match the traditional bridal outfit or Kundan jewellery.

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Evolution: A brief history of Kundan Jewellery

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