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Kundan jewelry is a delicate and specialized art and one that involves a lot of precision work. As a matter of fact, a large number of craftsmen design a single piece and each person takes care of only one step of this intricate process. The fact that the work is carried out by numerous people goes to show how valuable this jewelry is considered to be. It is popular not just in India but across the world and is in most probability one of the most expensive jewelry-making forms the country has. A large amount of bridal jewelry is made with kundan work as well. These sets are very elaborate and colorful. The designs could be either traditional or contemporary and both are equally attractive and alluring. Irrespective of the styling that is used to craft kundan jewelry, it looks royal and sophisticated. There was a time when only royalty could afford to patronize the art and own such precious ornaments. It dates far back to the Mughal era and it was the they who brought the art to Rajasthan. The art eventually spread to surrounding areas but it remains a specialty of cities such as Jaipur, Nathdwara and Bikaner in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The process of making kundan jewelry is a lengthy and elaborate one. The base is made of the naturally occurring resin called lac. Little orifices or tiny spaces are created in this base and highly purified gold is then poured over it. As the gold begins to solidify precious gemstones are wedged into place. Once the stones have been set in the base, any gaps that exist around the setting are also filled up carefully with gold. This ensures that the ornaments get a finished and smooth look. The final touch is polishing of the stones and the piece is then ready to take its place on jewelry store-shelves. A large variety of stones are used to make kundan jewelry. Diamonds, emeralds, jade, topaz and amethysts are just few of them. The fact that these ornaments can be crafted using so many different stones mans that they can match numerous outfits. Traditional bridal jewelry can be made of kundan work and it looks exquisite and beautiful. Kundan work can be very expensive as are the precious stones that are set in it. Today, a large amount of gold plated jewelry is made with kundan setting. No gold is used in this setting, which makes the jewelry more affordable and accessible. Another variation of kundan is meenakari kundan. This work should not be confused with kundan art. In this variation, the finely-powdered dust of gemstones, both precious and semi-precious is used to create the enameling. Polki work is also very similar to kundan but uncut diamonds are used in its making. Another major difference is that no lac is used. Polki jewelry is generally crafted out of pure gold. Craftsmen and jewelers have started incorporating modern designs into kundan work to make it more appealing to younger women. Resource box: Kundan Jewelry is the art of using a lac base with gold and gemstone setting. Bombay Jewelry has beautiful Bridal Jewelry made with this work.
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Kundan Jewelry, Bridal Jewelry,
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