Polki vs Kundan vs Jadau: Differences, Prices, and Which to Choose

Here's a costly secret of bridal shopping: many brides pay polki prices for kundan jewellery because the two are routinely confused, even by sellers. The difference can be lakhs of rupees.

You've probably heard all three terms used interchangeably at showrooms. They are not the same thing. One contains real, uncut diamonds; one contains glass; one isn't a material at all.

In this guide, you will learn the exact differences, realistic price ranges, and a verification checklist without needing a gemology degree.

Compiled by the Talla Jewellers Styling Desk, drawing on 40 years of polki and jadau craftsmanship for North Indian bridal jewellery.

What Is the Difference Between Polki, Kundan, and Jadau?

Polki is a jewellery set with uncut, unpolished natural diamonds. Kundan is the same setting style, using glass or synthetic stones instead of diamonds. Jadau is not a stone at all; it is the embedding technique ("jad" means embedded) used to set polki or kundan into gold.

So "jadau polki" means uncut diamonds embedded in gold. "Jadau kundan" means glass stones embedded in the same way. The craft is shared; the stone decides the price.

Polki Explained

Polki uses natural diamonds in their raw, uncut form, backed with silver foil for glow. It originated in Mughal-era royal ateliers. Polki glows softly rather than sparkling like cut diamonds.

Kundan Explained

Kundan refers to the highly refined gold (24kt "kundan" gold strips) used to seal stones into settings. Over time, the term came to mean the glass-stone jewellery itself. It delivers the royal look at a fraction of polki's cost.

Jadau Explained

Jadau is the embedding craft practiced mainly in Jaipur and Bikaner. Artisans heat gold, embed stones without adhesive, and seal them with kundan strips. Genuine handmade jadau commands a craftsmanship premium.

How Much Do Polki, Kundan, and Jadau Sets Cost?

Kundan bridal sets typically start around ₹50,000–₹2 lakh. Polki sets generally range from ₹3 lakh to ₹15 lakh and beyond, driven by gold weight and diamond quality. Jadau craftsmanship adds 10–25% over machine-set equivalents. Prices vary with prevailing gold rates.

Factor	Kundan	Polki	Jadau (technique)
Stone	Glass/synthetic	Uncut natural diamond	Either
Typical bridal set	₹50K–₹2L	₹3L–₹15L+	+10–25% premium
Resale value	Low (gold weight only)	Good	Depends on stone
Look	Bright, uniform	Soft, organic glow	Heritage finish

Ranges are indicative; confirm against current gold rates and stone quality at billing.

How Do You Verify You're Buying Real Polki?

Verify polki by demanding a stone-wise invoice breakup, checking BIS hallmarking on the gold, and asking for a diamond authenticity certificate on significant pieces. Real polki shows natural inclusions and uneven facets under magnification; kundan glass appears uniform and bubble-prone.

Three checks before paying:

1. Invoice breakup gold weight, stone carat weight, and making charges listed separately

2. BIS hallmark mandatory on gold jewellery in India since June 2021 Bureau of Indian Standards

3. Buyback policy in writing reputable jewellers state polki buyback terms upfront

Which One Should You Choose for Your Wedding?

Choose polki if you want heirloom value and authenticity, and your budget allows ₹3 lakh or more. Choose kundan if you want the identical royal aesthetic for occasional wear at one-tenth the cost. Choose jadau craftsmanship in either case when handmade heritage finish matters to you.

"The bride should know exactly what she is paying for gold, stone, and craft, line by line. If a seller resists a breakup invoice, walk out." Talla Jewellers Styling Desk

FAQ

Is polki more expensive than cut diamonds? Per carat, cut and certified diamonds usually cost more. But polki sets often cost more overall due to heavy gold content.

Does kundan jewellery have resale value? Mainly the gold weight. The glass stones carry no intrinsic resale value, so buy kundan for wear, not investment.

How do I care for jadau jewellery? Keep it dry, away from perfume, and store wrapped in soft cloth. Never ultrasonic-clean jadau it can loosen foil-set stones.

Conclusion 

Polki is the diamond, kundan is the glass-stone cousin, and jadau is the craft that sets both. Knowing the difference between polki, kundan, and jadau protects you from overpaying and helps you buy with intent heirloom or aesthetic. Unsure which suits your budget and outfits? Book a free 1:1 stylist session via the Shaadinama guide.