Kundan, polki, jadau and meenakari: what each label tells you
Read kundan, polki, jadau and meenakari in their stated contexts. Use a label-decoder sheet to ask about the actual jewellery.
In this article
When a jewellery description uses several of these words, give each its own line. Ask what the seller intends by the term and which details describe the actual piece. Begin by separating the questions you want each word to answer.
Read the names in their stated context
In its Master Maker occupational document, the Gem and Jewellery Skill Council of India uses kundan for 24K gold foil. Its named jadau unit describes setting flat diamonds or other gemstones using silver foil and kundan foil. This is terminology from that documented task, not a description of every seller's piece. GJSCI document, units G&J/N0904 and G&J/N0803
GIA's Jaipur glossary uses polki for uncut diamonds or diamonds fashioned to resemble uncut diamonds. The second part matters: do not translate the label into a promise that a diamond has never been shaped. GIA's polki description
The GJSCI document spells the term minakari and describes applying enamel colours to a jewellery frame. It treats that work separately from stone setting. GJSCI document, unit G&J/N0902
The unit records carry a 2014 review date. Use this historical occupational document to frame vocabulary questions; ask a current maker about their own work. GJSCI unit version records
Ask for an item description beyond the label
For an offer described as "kundan jewellery," ask which stones or other materials are present and how the seller describes the setting. Do not fill a missing material description by assuming the word means glass, diamond or a particular coloured gem.
If the description says "polki-style," ask whether that wording concerns the appearance or the actual material supplied. Record the answer exactly in the purchase description. The existing natural, synthetic and imitation guide helps organize identity and formation questions.
For enamel or a coloured surface, ask which parts carry it and what the supplier states about those parts. The component-level materials map gives you space to record the complete item.
One label, one open question
- Kundan
- What does the seller mean by this setting or craft label?
- Polki / polki-style
- What material is actually supplied?
- Jadau
- Which construction or setting description is meant?
- Meenakari / enamel
- Where is the decoration, and what is it?
Diagram text
Four original buying-question cards ask the seller what kundan, polki or polki-style, jadau, and meenakari or enamel describe in the actual offered item. The labels leave material and construction questions open.
Use a label-decoder worksheet
This original worksheet keeps an attractive name from carrying the whole description:
| Supplied wording | What do I need explained? | What has been confirmed for this item? |
|---|---|---|
| Kundan | What does the seller mean by the setting or craft label? | The written answer |
| Polki or polki-style | What material is actually supplied? | The written answer and relevant evidence |
| Jadau | Which construction or setting description is intended? | The written answer |
| Meenakari or enamel | Where is the described decoration, and what is it? | The written answer |
Imagine a hypothetical necklace described with all four labels. You can like its appearance while leaving the material and construction fields open. Ask the seller to connect each answer with the same necklace, including any components shown only on the reverse.
Complete the buying and wearing questions
Request the applicable treatment information and read any evidence through the laboratory-report guide. Ask for care instructions for the assembled piece rather than choosing a cleaning method from its style name.
For names describing the ornament's shape or body placement, turn to the selected Indian jewellery names. If you plan to wear it at a wedding, record it in the event-and-piece plan. Finish with a description you can trace to the offered item, and leave unanswered questions visible until they are resolved.
