Kundan vs Polki vs AD Jewellery – Real Difference + 2025 Buyer’s Guide
Introduction
Choosing jewellery is not just about style—it’s also about budget. Whether it’s a wedding, festive season, or a party, buyers are often confused about the difference between Kundan, Polki, and American Diamond (AD) jewellery, which is more durable, and which is more budget-friendly.
In this guide, we will compare all three based on origin, making process, price range, occasions, durability, and budget alternatives—so you can choose the perfect one for yourself.
What is Kundan Jewellery?
Origin & History:
Kundan jewellery originated during the Mughal era, and Rajasthan is famous for its craftsmanship. “Kundan” is not the name of a gemstone, but a setting technique where gemstones or glass are placed between layers of gold foil.
Making Process:
Base: Pure gold or imitation metal.
Gemstone/glass is fitted inside gold foil layers.
Intricate enamel work (meenakari) is done on the back.
Price Range In (2025):
Real gold Kundan: ₹50,000 onwards, up to several lakhs.
Imitation Kundan: ₹1,499 – ₹7,999 (Our store offers bridal imitation sets starting at ₹2,499).
Occasions:
Weddings, festivals, royal-themed events.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Royal look, rich history | Heavy weight |
| Matches bridal outfits | Needs careful storage |
| Available in real & imitation | Higher cost than AD |
What is Polki Jewellery?
Origin & History:
Polki also originated in Rajasthan, but it uses uncut natural diamonds. Polki is considered luxury because each stone is unique and handcrafted.
Making Process:
Stones: Raw, uncut diamonds.
Setting: Jadau technique (gold frame, no stone cutting).
Price Range In (2025):
Real Polki: ₹80,000 – ₹5,00,000+.
Polki-look imitation: ₹2,999 – ₹12,999 (Our Polki-look bridal sets start at ₹3,499).
Occasions:
Premium weddings, heritage-themed functions.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Natural sparkle | Very expensive |
| Heritage value | Heavy |
| Exclusive designs | Needs high maintenance |
What is AD (American Diamond) Jewellery?
Origin & Material:
American Diamond (AD) jewellery uses cubic zirconia stones, which give a diamond-like shine. These are machine-cut, making their size & shape perfectly uniform.
Price Range In (2025):
- AD Choker/Earrings: ₹499 – ₹2,999 (Our collection offers premium AD chokers starting from ₹1,299).
Occasions:
Party wear, casual wear, budget-friendly weddings.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Less heritage feel |
| Lightweight | Shine may fade if not cared for |
| Versatile designs | Not as prestigious as Polki |
Kundan vs Polki vs AD – Key Differences
| Feature | Kundan | Polki | AD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Glass/gemstone with gold foil | Uncut diamonds | Cubic zirconia |
| Price Range | ₹1,499 – ₹7,999 (imitation) | ₹2,999 – ₹12,999 (imitation) | ₹499 – ₹2,999 |
| Look | Royal & traditional | Raw sparkle | Modern & shiny |
| Durability | Medium (needs care) | High (real Polki) | Medium-high |
| Occasion | Weddings, festivals | Luxury weddings | Daily, parties |
Which One Should You Choose?
Budget under ₹2,000: AD jewellery is best—affordable, versatile, stylish.
Budget ₹2,000–₹10,000: Imitation Kundan or Polki-look—royal feel without breaking the bank.
Luxury budget: Real Polki for lifetime investment.
💡 Tip: In our store’s “Royal Look, Budget Price” category, you’ll find AD + Kundan combination designs that give the best balance of both.
How to Spot Fake vs Real
Kundan: Real has gold foil, imitation has brass or alloy.
Polki: Real has inclusions & uneven shapes, fake has perfectly smooth stones.
AD: Always perfectly cut & shiny—if cloudy, it’s low quality.
Jewellery Care Tips
Store in dry place, away from moisture.
Do not spray perfume directly on jewellery.
Wipe gently with a soft cloth.
FAQs
Q1: Is Polki more expensive than Kundan? → Yes, because it is made from uncut diamonds.
Q2: Can AD look like Polki? → Yes, visually similar but not in value.
Q3: Which lasts longer – Kundan or AD? → Real Kundan lasts longer, but AD is low-maintenance.
Q4: Is Kundan a gemstone? → No, it’s a jewellery-making technique.
Conclusion
Whether it’s the royal charm of Kundan, the heritage sparkle of Polki, or the modern shine of AD—each type has its own magic.
At Ji Sisodiya G, we offer premium quality imitation Kundan, Polki-look, and AD jewellery for bridal, festive, and daily wear at budget-friendly prices.
✨ Explore our collections today and give your style a royal touch—without breaking the bank.
