Indian bridal jewellery may be recognised world over for its Kundan work.  Bollywood movies have been instrumental in popularizing the look, and most jewellers offer exquisite necklace, earring and bangle sets in Kundan.  Kundan Jewellery on Aishwarya, Preity Zinta in Veer Zara and the jewellery of Paheli brought back the shine to this style of jewellery making.  A romantic style that creates timeless masterpieces.  

Reminiscent of the Mughal era when the art was perfected, it is the delicate jewellery style where gold foil is carefully inserted within the stones.  It takes a master craftman to create this type of jewellery.  The pieces are first shaped, holes cut for the precious stones.  Enamelling or engraving is done at this stage.  The stones are set with the help of lac and the stone is pushed into the kundan.  The kundan is highly refined gold.  More kundan is filled in at the sight to anchor the stone.  Kundan is also often combined with meenakari, where the kundan style will adorn one side of the jewellery, and the enamelling tradition, Meenakari is created on the other side.  

Kundan allows for designer interpretations, as the stone can often retain its original look which allows the designer to play with irregular sizes and shapes.  The Kundan sets can be designed to match any bridal attire, as it is available in almost all colours.  They are expensive though, as a medium size set of necklace, earrings and two bangles can be made with around 100 gms of gold.  The traditional motifs are drawn from Mughal era, and are mostly floral.  The opulence of the set is enhanced by the fine variety of stones used in each set.  

To take care of your precious kundan set, wipe it with a seude cloth after use.  Place it within cotton wool so that it does not rub against any hard surface.  Don't use harsh detergents or water to clean it.  And replace the chord if it wears down with time.