Kundan Bangles

Since ancient times, Indians have adorned themselves with beautiful gold jewellery. Today, from brides to Bollywood actresses, everyone is mesmerised by the Kundan bangle. A Kundan bangle is a stiff, round gold bracelet made using the Kundan jewellery technique. The word Kundan means pure gold or highly refined gold with purity between 22k and 24k. It is a process of placing gold thin sheets or foils underneath the gemstone. This technique is also locally known as pacchikari and is used to enhance the brilliance and colour of the gemstone. Traditionally, though a Kundan bangle was made from pure gold and ornamented with valuable stones like diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires, sometimes it was crafted from silver. However, in recent times, since pure gold Kundan bangles are incredibly expensive due to the rising prices of gold and precious stones, they are now available in low-cost materials like brass and copper, containing semi-precious stones, rhinestones, or glass. Though connoisseurs of jewellery still go for the original Kundan bangles, several jewellery enthusiasts are now opting for artificial Kundan bangles that are more economical and accessible. Kundan Keshari is another name for Kundan jewellery making, which dates back to the 3rd century BCE. The art form has been an intrinsic part of India’s cultural, social and economic identity. The technique was first developed in the royal palaces of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Soon, the art flourished in Delhi courts and spread to Bihar, Punjab and other parts of India. Stunning Kundan bangles crafted with intense effort and attention to detail became a staple in royal wardrobes. Types of Kundan Jewellery such as Kundan bangles, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and nose rings symbolise power and prosperity. This Rajputana and Mughal art form has evolved, standing at a new threshold today. A gold Kundan bangle that used to take three to four months to create now takes barely a month, with metals like silver, copper, brass and alloy. The level of craftsmanship, too, may have decreased in contrast to earlier times, but the indomitable style remains. Sometimes, when buying jewellery, terms like Kundan, Polki, and Jadau are interchanged. But they are distinct. Kundan is a technique that uses the purest form of gold in a setting to encase different cut/uncut stones. Polki, on the other hand, refers to uncut diamonds or stones. When Kundan and Polki come together, it is Jadau. In Jadau, the Polki is embedded in pure gold and adheres to it without the help of any adhesive.

How to Style a Kundan Bangle

A Kundan bangle is the perfect accessory to take your look to the next level. Whatever the occasion, place, or attire, it blends seamlessly or stands out with a flourish.  

Wear your oversized Kundan bangle to create a dramatic look on casual dresses or jeans. A bold Kundan bangle can set off the plain white shirt without looking gaudy or too busy. You can go minimalistic yet have the maximum impact with a Kundan bangle.

At a wedding function or a festival, stack them up. More bangles look sassy and create a distinctive jingling sound each time you move your hands around. Stack up a set of Kundan bangles with ethnic wear. Be mindful of the colours, gemstones, and metals while mixing Kundan bangles.

You can even style a Kundan bangle on Western wear. Wear a single-colour statement Kundan bangle on a black dress and a multi-colour statement Kundan bangle on a beige or pastel-coloured dress. Check how the gemstones reflect the colour to give you the best look.

Whether you contrast or match, style minimally or stack, Kundan bangles infuse a celebratory spirit. All you need to do is complement them with the overall theme and attire and coordinate them with other jewellery pieces to create a perfectly balanced look.

Kundan bangles have become a staple in the bijoux collections of Kareena Kapoor Khan, Parineeta Chopra, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Deepika Padukone, Mira Kapoor and many more. From the dusty coffers of royal courts to the distinct designs of modern-day, Kundan bangles shed light on India’s illustrious craftsmanship and culture. These intricate bangles are a must-have for your wardrobe, too. They are not just a passing fad but a timeless piece of elegance, offering loads of options for daily wear and special occasions. So, invest and indulge in a gold Kundan bangle or an imitation...the final choice is yours!