Kundan
कुंदन
कुन्दन
Kundan is Rajasthan's ancient art of setting uncut gemstones and glass stones into gold foil on fabric, jewellery, and accessories.
What is Kundan?
Kundan is Rajasthan's ancient art of setting uncut gemstones and glass stones into gold foil on fabric, jewellery, and accessories. On textiles, Kundan work involves embedding faceted stones — traditionally polished glass or semi-precious gems — into gold thread lattices or directly onto velvet and silk backgrounds. Originating in the royal ateliers of Jaipur and Bikaner during the Mughal era, Kundan embellishment represents the highest tier of Indian bridal craft, combining jewellery-making precision with textile artistry.
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WeddingsEngagementSangeetReceptionBridalFestiveTECHNIQUE
How Kundan is Made
- 1
A gold foil base is prepared on fabric
- 2
Lac (natural resin) is melted and applied as an adhesive
- 3
Polished Kundan stones (uncut glass or gems) are pressed into the lac while soft
- 4
The setting is secured with thin gold wire worked around each stone
- 5
The finished surface is burnished to a high lustre
Where Kundan is Made
Explore Kundan by city — curated products and local context
How to Identify Authentic Kundan
Key markers that distinguish genuine handcrafted pieces from machine-made imitations
- 01
Stones have a slight depth and faceting visible from an angle — flat printed stones are clearly two-dimensional
- 02
Each stone sits in a distinct setting with a visible gold wire border — machine-set pieces have plastic mounts
- 03
Lac adhesive gives stones a warm, slightly translucent base visible at the stone edges
- 04
Handmade Kundan shows minor variations in stone placement — perfect uniformity indicates machine assembly
Related Craft Traditions
Gota Patti
गोटा पट्टी
Gota Patti is Rajasthan's signature metallic appliqué craft, in which strips of zari ribbon — traditionally made from real gold and silver thread — are folded, cut, and stitched onto fabric to create elaborate floral and geometric motifs.
Read guide →
Zari Work
जरी काम
Zari Work involves the use of metallic threads — traditionally spun from real gold or silver wrapped around a silk core — in embroidery and weaving to create lustrous designs on fabric.
Read guide →
Mirrorwork
शीशा कढ़ाई
Mirrorwork, known in Rajasthan as Abhla Bharat (from the Sanskrit word for glass), is an embroidery technique in which small circular mirrors are anchored onto fabric using colourful buttonhole and herringbone stitches.
Read guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kundan?
Kundan is Rajasthan's ancient art of setting uncut gemstones and glass stones into gold foil on fabric, jewellery, and accessories. On textiles, Kundan work involves embedding faceted stones — traditionally polished glass or semi-precious gems — into gold thread lattices or directly onto velvet and silk backgrounds. Originating in the royal ateliers of Jaipur and Bikaner during the Mughal era, Kundan embellishment represents the highest tier of Indian bridal craft, combining jewellery-making precision with textile artistry.
How do I check if Kundan is authentic?
There are 4 key markers of authenticity: Stones have a slight depth and faceting visible from an angle — flat printed stones are clearly two-dimensional — Each stone sits in a distinct setting with a visible gold wire border — machine-set pieces have plastic mounts — Lac adhesive gives stones a warm, slightly translucent base visible at the stone edges — Handmade Kundan shows minor variations in stone placement — perfect uniformity indicates machine assembly
Where does Kundan originate from?
Kundan originates from rajasthan, specifically the cities of Jaipur, Bikaner.
What is the price range for Kundan?
Kundan products range from ₹1,499 for simple everyday pieces to ₹5,00,000 for elaborate handcrafted garments. Bridal and heavily embellished pieces command premium prices, while casual kurtis and dupattas are available at accessible price points.
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