The craft
Six hands, six weeks, one necklace
Kundan is a relay between master craftsmen, each with a skill passed from father to son.
Ghaat
The karigar beats a 22K gold frame into shape, with hollows for every stone.
Meenakari
The back is enamelled by hand, colour by colour, fired between each one.
Kundan
Ribbons of 24K gold foil are pressed around each stone to hold it, with no prongs.
Polki
Uncut diamonds are backed with silver foil so they catch candlelight.
Jadau
Rubies, emeralds and pearls are set and strung by the stringer, the patua.
Finishing
Polished, weighed, hallmarked and checked under a loupe before it's yours.
How to tell real kundan
- Turn it over. Real kundan has hand-painted enamel on the back, not a plain gold sheet.
- Look at the edges. Gold foil wraps every stone; there are no claws or glue.
- Ask for the hallmark. The gold is 22K and hallmarked with a HUID.
- Ask what's in the weight. We tell you the gold, stone and lac weight separately.
Bring your lehenga. We'll bring the light.
Bridal appointments are private, unhurried and come with kesar chai. Video calls for brides abroad.