Jadau Kundan jewellery, with its opulent designs and intricate craftsmanship, holds a special place in the world of traditional Indian adornments. This exquisite form of jewellery has captivated the hearts of jewellery enthusiasts for centuries. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the meaning of Jadau Kundan, the meticulous making process, its rich origins, and provide practical advice on how to care for and choose these stunning pieces. Whether you're a bride-to-be, or simply an admirer of fine jewellery, this article will equip you with everything you need to know about this remarkable art form. Join us as we explore the enchanting world of Jadau Jewellery sets, where tradition meets unparalleled beauty.
What is meaning of Jadau Kundan?
Jadau Kundan refers to a traditional Indian jewelry-making technique that combines two distinct styles: Jadau and Kundan. The technique Jadau Involves intricate stone-setting, where precious stones and gems are embedded into gold. Kundan, on the other hand, is the purest form of gold, crafted from 24K gold. It involves integrating glass into the melted gold foils to form its base.
How is Jadau Kundan Made?
The art of crafting Jadau Kundan Jewellery is a testament to the dedication and skill of master artisans. Each piece of jewelry undergoes 10-15 processes from start to finish, with every step requiring a skilled artisan who has trained for several years.
Creating 22K Gold: 24K gold is melted and mixed with silver and copper in measured quantities to create 22K gold. The 22K gold is then put through a machine and flattened into small strips.
Shaping the Gold (Sadhai): The gold strip is shaped according to the design, a process that takes years of practice. Artisans first train with copper before moving on to gold to perfect their skills.
Human Craftsmanship: Jadau Kundan can only be perfectly made by human hands due to the concentration, patience, and detail required.
Assembly and Soldering: Shaped gold is placed on a base of the same shape and soldered with plaster of Paris. The gold turns black due to a layer of carbon, which is later removed by immersing it in acid to restore its golden shine.
Stone Preparation: Stones are scraped from the inside to give them depth, ensuring they fit well and stand the test of time.
Engraving: Elaborate lines are carved on the gold to form a design. "Lac" (a form of wax) is filled in the ornament to steady it for engraving and prevent damage. A design is drawn on the ornament with a pencil before engraving. Engraving a small pendant takes 6-7 hours, showcasing the sophistication of the design.
Stone Setting (Jadai): Lac is filled in the gold cavity of the ornament, and precious stones, typically Polki (silver diamonds), are studded on the Lac-filled ornament.
Kundan Work: Kundan is flattened into very thin sheets, softer and thinner than paper, making it flexible. Kundan is tucked on the Lac below the stones using a small hot metal pick. A thin wall of Kundan is created around the stones using different shapes and sizes of metal pickers to cover all corners and crevices.
Polishing and Finishing: The completed piece is polished and finished to achieve the exquisite look of Jadau Kundan jewelry.
Is Jadau and Kundan the Same?
Jadau and Kundan are closely related but distinct techniques in traditional Indian jewelry making. Jadau involves the intricate process of embedding precious stones into gold using lac (a type of wax) as an adhesive, characterised by its elaborate craftsmanship. On the other hand, Kundan refers to the use of highly refined gold to create the base of the jewelry, with gems meticulously set on this gold base. Often, Jadau and Kundan are combined to produce luxurious and ornate pieces, but they represent different aspects of the jewelry-making process: Jadau focuses on stone-setting, while Kundan involves the gold work.
Origin of Jadau Kudan
Rajasthan, a place brimming with heritage and pride, has a rich history of handcrafted Kundan and Jadau jewelry. This centuries-old art form has been an integral part of Rajasthan's culture, captivating everyone from the royals in their palaces to commoners with their aspirations. Over the years, Jadau Kundan jewelry has enthralled audiences with its intricate craftsmanship and exquisite designs. Even today, it remains the crown jewel in Rajasthan's royal and rich cultural heritage.
Caring Tips for Jadau Kundan Jewellery
1. Avoid Moisture
- Keep your Jadau Kundan jewelry safe by avoiding moisture. Store your pieces in a dry pouch.
- Avoid spraying perfumes or deodorants on yourself while wearing the jewelry, as they can corrode the surface and leave spots.
- As a basic rule, avoid water entirely, even a few drops. For cleaning, use a simple piece of linen or cotton.
2. Use Butter Paper for Storage
- Moisture can still affect your jewelry even when stored in a box. Wrap your Kundan and Polki jewelry in butter paper or cotton and keep them in an airtight container. The butter paper helps lock out moisture, keeping your jewelry dry.
3. Clean Regularly
- Regular cleaning is essential. Use a soft suede cloth to wipe your pieces.
- For stains, use an eraser and then wipe again.
- If soiled, apply talcum powder with a delicate brush lightly on the pieces and wipe again to maintain the shine. Air out the pieces afterward.
- For mild cleaning, use a mild soap and warm water for diamonds and gemstones. Alternatively, mix one drop of baby shampoo with water and use a soft toothbrush or Q-tip to clean. Finish with a muslin or microfiber cloth.
4. Use Desiccants
- While traveling, keep a pouch of desiccants in the same container as your jewelry. The most common and safe desiccant is silica, which helps to clean and dry your jewelry quickly if needed.
These care tips for Jadau Kundan jewellery will ensure your jewellery remains as good as new.
How to Choose Jadau Kundan Jewellery
When choosing Jadau Kundan Collection, ensure the gold is of high quality, typically 22K or higher, and verify its authenticity with proper certification. Examine the stone settings for secure and even placements, and inspect the intricate workmanship for precision and symmetry. Purchase from reputable jewelers who provide authenticity certificates and documentation. Select a design that matches your personal style and wardrobe, balancing aesthetics with comfort, especially for heavier pieces. Consider customization options if you have specific design preferences. Understand the maintenance requirements to keep your jewelry in pristine condition. Compare prices to ensure a fair deal and check the jeweler's return and exchange policies for peace of mind.
Why is Jadau Kundan Jewelry So Expensive?
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Intricate Craftsmanship: The creation of Jadau Kundan jewelry involves highly skilled artisans who undergo years of training. The intricate process, including stone setting, engraving, and Kundan work, requires exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.
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High-Quality Materials: This jewelry uses high-purity gold, often 22K, and precious stones such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. The use of such premium materials significantly increases the cost.
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Time-Consuming Process: Each piece of Jadau Kundan jewelry undergoes numerous steps, from shaping and soldering to stone setting and polishing. The entire process is labor-intensive and time-consuming, often taking weeks or even months to complete a single piece.
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Heritage and Tradition: Jadau Kundan jewelry is deeply rooted in Indian heritage and tradition, particularly associated with the royal courts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The historical and cultural significance of this jewelry adds to its value.
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Unique Designs: The designs of Jadau Kundan jewelry are often unique and bespoke, tailored to individual preferences. Customization and unique design elements further increase the cost.
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Limited Availability: The number of skilled artisans capable of creating authentic Jadau Kundan jewelry is limited, and the labor-intensive nature of the work means production is not high-volume, making these pieces rare and exclusive.
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Longevity and Investment Value: Due to the high-quality materials and craftsmanship, Jadau Kundan jewelry is durable and retains its value over time, often considered a long-term investment.
These factors collectively contribute to the high cost of Jadau Kundan jewelry, making it a luxurious and cherished possession.