Polki vs Kundan vs Jadau: What’s the Real Difference Between These Royal Jewels?

Jewelry never simply signified beauty or decoration. Instead, it represented tradition, culture, and love. There is no greater royal or revered style than Polki, Kundan, and Jadau. These styles of jewelry existed centuries ago, and, unlike today, when they are worn at weddings and festivals, back then, in portraits, the royalty and nobles wore them. 

Now, contemporary design, themes, and styles have shifted the perception of jewelry to not only be created from gold and diamonds; this opens up silver jewelry to be crafted in these designs! Silver jewelry opens up these designs, as it can be attained at a more affordable price, and is versatile enough to be worn on a daily basis! Whether you are fond of ethnic or in for a party, looking for something unique, your next beloved handcrafted silver jewelry could be a masterpiece based on Polki, Kundan, or Jadau!

Now, let's find out how these styles are recreated in silver, the distinction between them, and what will complement you most!

1. Polki-Inspired Silver Jewelry: Traditional Designs in Modern Silver

Polki jewelry dates back to early Indian jewel crafting. Back then, the marks of distinction were uncut diamonds. The stones were never polished and retained their natural brilliance. Polki jewelry was intended for the king, queen, and, of course, the bride. 

Now, think of that artistry in silver! Instead of uncut diamonds, polki-inspired silver jewelry uses glass, gemstones, and other mirror-like stones that are kind to the wallet. While the themes continue to be regal and vintage, they are considerably simpler and much more convenient to wear! 

• A silver necklace with polki-style stones, for instance, can instantly polish your wedding-ready appearance, and you don’t need to break the bank for it.

• Polki-inspired silver earrings and bangles can be paired with not only traditional sarees and kurtas but also Indo-western styles and even fusion dresses.

2. Kundan-Style Silver Pieces: Craftsmanship That Stands Out

Kundan jewelry began in the Mughal period. Kundan jewelry is still most beautiful for its intricate work and has gemstones set in pure gold foils. Kundan has a big, bright, saturated look and is full of detail.

Kundan jewelry done in silver has fabulous pieces, too. The difference is that, rather than gold, it's either base silver or crafted silver jewelry plated in gold. The stones can be either glass or semi-precious gems to give the finished jewelry a bright, heavyweight, regal look. 

So why does everyone love Kundan-style silver jewelry? 

• Because it's noticeable and eye-catching, and can look expensive for so little compared to Kundan in real gold.

• You can put on a Kundan-style silver choker with a simple saree or lehenga, and you have that regal look!

• Kundan-style bangles or earrings in silver, while worn with your favorite festival outfit,s will provide you with a calming "Mughal princess" vibe!

If you’re someone who loves detail, color, and statement jewelry, then Kundan-style silver is the perfect choice.

3. Jadau-Inspired Silver: Intricate Patterns for Everyday Wear

Jadau is a method, not just a style; it involves decorative techniques that encase uncut diamonds, rubies, or emeralds into gold, with heat. To achieve jadau jewelry takes hours of real work and practice. Jadau jewelry is particularly recognized in Rajasthan and in Gujarat, and is often inherited as family heirlooms. 

In the same way, jadau inspiration in silver allows a craft, albeit in a wearable and affordable way, to continue living. Rather than real diamonds, the artisans used semi-precious stones or glass encased in separate thin bases. 

Jadau-inspired silver is flexible:

• You can have Jadau silver-style earrings or rings, and you can wear them every day without feeling "heavy". 

• The layered, detailed designs can be grand, but the silver base makes them usable. 

• Gold gold-plated silver Jadau-style necklace can be a substitute for wedding jewelry when you don't want to wear something heavy.

This is your best option if you want tradition in your daily attire, which you can wear casually to work or family gatherings, even out to dinner.

4. How Polki, Kundan, and Jadau Styles Differ in Silver Jewelry

Having examined each style, let's take a moment to quickly compare them:

• Polki in Silver: Raw, antique, rustic, and royal feel. Generally, uncut or glass stones. Great for people who love traditional designs with a rustic feel.

• Kundan in Silver: Bold, colorful, and very detailed. Stones are set with foil on the back. Better for festive occasions and statement jewelry.

• Jadau in Silver: Technique-based style. Intricate, fine, and versatile. It can be worn for special occasions and day-to-day.

In short:

• Go forPolki-inspired silver jewelry if you love traditional elegance.
  

• PickKundan-style silver pieces if you want vibrant, bold designs.
  

• ChooseJadau-inspired silver if you prefer intricate, artistic details.
  

5. Choosing the Right Silver Jewelry Style for Your Collection

They say it's about finding balance while building your collection of jewelry, but I'm not sure what that means. However, I put together some guiding principles to use when picking the correct style: 

• For Weddings and Parties: A  gold plated silver necklace in a Polki or Kundan style will elevate your look super easily; just wear it with whatever earrings and don't even think about heavy makeup. 

• For Festivals and Family Functions: Kundan-inspired silver jewels - whatever with colourful stones are perfect to provide the right amount of shimmer. 

• For every day: Jadau-inspired silver earrings or rings, or small pendants are things you can wear every day; they are light, hip, and easy to wear. 

• For Office or Casual Looks: Substantial, minimal Polki-inspired silver studs or Jadau rings with simple outfits are all you need to get the ethnic touch without 'really being ethnic'. 

One last note, which is important to consider, your  handcrafted silver jewelry is unique. Every piece is unique, even if the design is traditional, because the person or people (the artisans) who created it were inspired to continue these traditional forms of design into modern, artisanal pieces of work. When you buy silver jewelry, you are buying less about silver jewelry and more about an art form that has existed for hundreds of years.

Conclusion 

While Polki, Kundan, and Jadau are indeed variations and share similar traits, they have Origin stories of their own, and each has its strikingly beautiful characteristics. While their respective original gold and diamond jewelry versions are likely reserved for brides and royals, we have a way to access those regal designs at an affordable price point of some of your favorite styles, in practical silver jewelry made by expert artisans. 

Whether you want a gold plated silver necklace for your next wedding function or a simple pair of Jadau hoop earrings for work, we have something for every occasion.

Jewelry is, of course, an integration of design and craftsmanship, but it is also a continuation of tradition in your own way. A handcrafted piece of silver jewelry allows you to honour your heritage in your everyday style. Go ahead and indulge in the daily style & enjoyable designs of your cultural community!