Kundan Jewellery Set: Why It Never Goes Out of Style

Introduction

Okay, so I need to talk about Kundan jewellery for a second because I genuinely don’t think it gets enough credit for how versatile it is. Everyone assumes it’s a “wedding only” thing, locked away for the one big day and then forgotten. But that’s not really true anymore, and honestly hasn’t been true for a while. Let’s get into why.

First, What Are We Even Talking About

Kundan jewellery is made by setting stones — glass, gemstones, whatever — into a base using lac, which is a resin, not glue like people sometimes assume. No prongs, no claws holding things together. That’s actually the reason it has that smooth, almost poured-gold look instead of the sharper, more “set” look you get with regular stone jewellery.

Necklaces are the most common thing you’ll see this on, but earrings, tikkas, bangles, all get the same treatment. I’ve worn a Kundan choker to weddings, sure, but also to a cousin’s mehendi, a Diwali party, and once just because I was bored of my usual jewellery and wanted to feel a little extra on a random Tuesday.

If you want the history bit — it started in royal courts in Rajasthan and Gujarat, way back. Kings, queens, that whole scene. Eventually it moved out of palaces and into everyday closets, which is basically the story of a lot of “fancy” things once regular people get access to them.

Why It’s Stuck Around This Long

I’ve thought about this actually, and I think it comes down to effort versus payoff. A Kundan set does so much visually that you don’t need to try hard elsewhere. One necklace, a simple outfit, done. That’s rare in jewellery — most pieces need backup from earrings or bangles to really land.

It’s also broken out of the “only for lehengas” box. I’ve seen it paired with anarkalis, with fusion gowns, and once with just a plain kurta at a festival dinner and it somehow worked.

Budget-wise, there’s room to move too. You don’t need to spend big every time — lighter pieces exist for smaller days, heavier ones for the actual wedding-level events.

How To Actually Pick One

Don’t overthink this part, but do think about a few things.

Start with where you’re wearing it. Big wedding? Go layered and detailed. Small family lunch or a puja? A simple choker or even just a pendant set will do more than enough.

Color is something people skip and then regret. Kundan often comes with pearls or meenakari work or colored stones like ruby and emerald. Match it to your outfit, don’t fight it. Pink and green together, for instance, looks unexpectedly good against pastel sarees.

Comfort — actually think about this one. If you’re wearing it for six or seven hours at a wedding, it needs to feel light, not just look good in photos. Good Kundan pieces manage this. Cheap ones usually don’t.

Long set versus choker depends on your neckline. Deep necks and sarees, go long. High necklines or gowns, go choker. Simple rule, saves a lot of confusion later.

Real Kundan or Artificial — Worth Asking

Real Kundan uses actual gold and real stones. Stunning, obviously, but also expensive enough that most people treat it as a once-in-a-lifetime buy or something they inherit rather than purchase.

Artificial, or real-look, Kundan gets you that same traditional richness without the same hit to your wallet. And honestly, the quality on a lot of these pieces now is good enough that people genuinely can’t tell unless they’re inspecting it closely.

This is probably the actual reason real-look sets have gotten so popular — you can own a few, in different colors, instead of one piece you’re scared to wear too often.

Styling — Keep It Simple

Simple hair. A bun, loose waves, whatever keeps the focus on the necklace instead of competing with it.

Don’t stack jewellery. One Kundan piece is the statement. Let it be that.

If the necklace is already detailed, go smaller on earrings. Jhumkas or studs, not another big piece.

Neutral makeup and nails. Let the stones do the talking, not your nail polish.

Taking Care Of It

Nothing complicated here. Soft pouch, no direct sunlight, keep perfume and lotion away from it. Wipe with a dry cloth after wearing. Skip water entirely if the piece has any delicate stonework or polish, because that stuff doesn’t hold up well against moisture.

And Yeah, Rubela Store

If you’re looking around for a Kundan jewellery set that feels traditional but doesn’t cost what actual gold does, Rubela Store’s collection is worth a look. They’ve got Kundan necklace sets, Jadau sets, and other real-look pieces across different colors — good for weddings, festivals, or just an evening you want to dress up a bit more than usual. The finish gives you that gold-like glow without the gold-level price.

Last Thought

Kundan jewellery just doesn’t age the way trends usually do. It’s been through royal courts, family heirlooms, modern weddings, and somehow still looks right at home wherever it shows up. Big bridal set or a simple everyday piece, it’s one of those buys that rarely feels like a mistake later. Next occasion that comes up, you’ll probably already know what you’re reaching for.