Kundan, Polki and American Diamond: What's the Difference?

Quick answer: Kundan is a way of setting stones, polki describes uncut-diamond style stones, and American Diamond (AD) is a bright, diamond-cut cubic zirconia stone. In artificial jewellery, all three give you the look of fine jewellery at a fixed, affordable price.

What is kundan jewellery?

Kundan is a traditional Indian setting technique where stones are set in a foil-backed frame, giving a smooth, glowing, slightly flat finish. In artificial kundan jewellery, the stones are glass or stone-look pieces set in a gold-tone frame. You will often see kundan paired with pearls, enamel (meenakari) work and coloured drops. It suits weddings, pujas and festive occasions. See Rani Kundan Jhumkas for an example.

What is polki jewellery?

Polki traditionally means uncut diamonds, which have a soft, natural, layered sparkle rather than the sharp flash of a cut stone. Real polki is very expensive. Polki-style artificial jewellery recreates that raw, regal look with lookalike stones, so you get the heritage feel without the price of precious stones. Our Zeenat collection is built around kundan and polki-style bridal pieces.

What is American Diamond (AD) jewellery?

American Diamond is the trade name for cubic zirconia (CZ) cut to sparkle like a diamond. It is clear, crisp and very bright, which makes it popular for cocktail rings, chandbalis, bangles and everyday studs. Rhodium or gold-tone plating around AD stones gives a cool or warm look. Browse Sitara AD Bangles or the Jhalak collection.

Kundan vs polki vs AD at a glance

• Look: kundan is smooth and glowing, polki is soft and raw, AD is sharp and sparkly.
• Best for: kundan and polki suit weddings and traditional outfits; AD suits parties, cocktail nights and everyday wear.
• Pairs well with: kundan with silk and bridal lehengas, polki with heavier festive wear, AD with both Indian and western outfits.

How to choose

If you want one statement piece for a wedding, pick kundan or polki-style. If you want something that works across occasions, AD is the easiest to repeat. You can also mix: a kundan jhumka with slim AD bangles is a classic balance. Whatever you choose, store pieces dry and away from perfume, as explained in our jewellery care guide.

Visit Stella Casa at 23, Gujarat Vihar, Opp. Preet Vihar, Vikas Marg, Delhi 110092 (open daily, 10 am to 8 pm) or shop our artificial earrings online. More answers are on our FAQ page.