Kundan jewellery has been a cornerstone of South Asian adornment for centuries. With its signature uncut glass stones set in gold foil, kundan carries a timeless elegance that works just as beautifully at a festive gathering as it does at a dinner party. But styling it well takes a little know-how. Here is everything you need to create the perfect look with kundan, no matter the occasion.
What Exactly Is Kundan Jewellery?
Kundan is one of the oldest forms of jewellery-making originating from Rajasthan. The technique involves setting stones — traditionally uncut gems, now often high-quality glass or polki — into a gold base using lac (a natural resin). The result is a rich, regal look with that unmistakable warm glow. Unlike American diamond or CZ jewellery, kundan has an organic, handcrafted feel that catches light differently from every angle.
Styling Kundan with Lehengas
A kundan choker set is the classic pairing for a lehenga. The structured neckline of a choker complements the drama of a full skirt beautifully. For heavily embroidered lehengas, choose a kundan set with a simpler design so the pieces do not compete. For plainer lehengas, go bold — a multi-layered kundan necklace with matching jhumkas and maang tikka creates that head-to-toe statement.
Pro tip: Match the stone colour to the secondary colour in your lehenga, not the primary. If your lehenga is emerald green with pink accents, try kundan set with pink or blush stones — it ties the look together without being too matchy.
Styling Kundan with Sarees
Sarees and kundan are a match made in heaven. For silk sarees, a medium-weight kundan pendant set with matching earrings keeps things elegant without overwhelming the drape. For lighter fabrics like chiffon or georgette, you can go heavier with your jewellery since the fabric is not competing for attention.
Do not forget about your wrists — a pair of gold-plated bangles or kada adds the finishing touch that completes any saree look.
Styling Kundan with Suits and Sharara Sets
For anarkalis and sharara sets, long kundan pendant sets work beautifully — they follow the vertical line of the silhouette and add length. Pair with statement jhumkas and skip the choker for a more relaxed feel. For straight suits, a classic kundan choker set keeps things polished and put-together.
Kundan by Occasion
Mehndi Night
Mehndi is all about colour and celebration. This is the time to reach for kundan sets with colourful stones — think emerald green, ruby red, or multicolour. Statement bahubali jhumkas or chandbali earrings paired with a kundan choker make you the centre of attention on the dance floor. Browse our Mehndi and Sangeet collection for pieces curated specifically for this vibe.
Eid Gatherings
For Eid, kundan strikes the perfect balance between festive and refined. A delicate kundan pendant set works for Eid prayers and family visits, while a full choker set elevates your look for evening celebrations. Pair with a matching tikka for that extra touch of elegance.
Everyday Elegance
Yes, you can wear kundan daily. The key is scale — choose smaller, lighter pieces. A single pair of kundan studs or small jhumkas with a simple chain brings that South Asian touch to your everyday wardrobe without being over the top. Our jewellery sets include options that transition beautifully from day to evening.
Caring for Your Kundan Pieces
Kundan jewellery is delicate by nature. Store each piece in a soft pouch, away from direct sunlight. Keep it away from water, perfume, and mehndi — always put your jewellery on last, after you have finished getting ready. Clean gently with a dry soft cloth and never use chemical cleaners. With proper care, your kundan pieces will keep their glow for years.
Find Your Perfect Kundan Set
At Jewellery by Aman, every kundan set is handpicked for quality and shipped directly from Canada with free shipping on orders over $99 CAD. Whether you are dressing for a wedding, a festive celebration, or just want to add a touch of elegance to your week, there is a kundan piece waiting for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Kundan jewellery be worn with Western outfits?
Yes — Kundan jewellery pairs beautifully with Western formal wear for a fusion look. A delicate Kundan choker or drop earrings can elevate a simple gown or cocktail dress. The key is to keep it minimal: choose one statement Kundan piece rather than a full traditional set when styling with Western clothing.
What colours pair best with Kundan jewellery?
Kundan jewellery with gold-toned settings looks stunning against deep jewel tones like emerald green, royal blue, maroon, and burgundy. For lighter outfits in pastels or ivory, Kundan with pearl accents or lighter stone settings creates an elegant contrast. Browse our Mona Lisa Kundan collection to see pieces styled with different colour palettes.
Is Kundan jewellery suitable for everyday wear?
While full Kundan necklace sets are best reserved for special occasions, smaller Kundan pieces like stud earrings, delicate pendants, or thin bangles work well for everyday wear. Choose pieces with minimal stone work and a lighter weight for daily comfort. Store them separately in a soft pouch to maintain their finish.
