What is Polki Jewellery? Everything Brides Should Know
There are plenty of options to explore in wedding jewellery. Yet, handcrafted polki jewellery remains one of the most highly recommended choices in wedding jewellery. Though polki jewellery is an evergreen choice, most brides-to-be are still unaware of bridal polki jewellery and how it can elevate even the simplest wedding look.
In simple words, polki jewellery is traditional Indian jewellery pieces made using uncut, unpolished diamonds. It is a perfect option for brides looking for stunning alternatives for bringing a diamond-like sparkle to their wedding celebrations.
As the search for a guide that covers everything, from what is polki jewellery to its care tips, continues, Ishhaara is here with a beginner-friendly blog. It has everything you want to know about polki jewellery. Dive into this comprehensive guide today and discover why polki jewellery deserves a special place in your bridal trousseau.
What is Polki Jewellery?
To be precise, polki jewellery, also commonly known as uncut diamond jewellery, is a piece of traditional jewellery that exhibits India's rich jewellery heritage. It features raw, uncut, and unpolished diamond stones. For jewellery lovers and the bride-to-be who love adding a signature old-world, vintage charm to their bridal, ethnic and Indo-western styling, polki jewellery is a timeless choice.
It is available in several styles, from polki necklace sets, polki earrings, polki rings, polki choker sets, polki bangles, and many more, ensuring there is a perfect polki piece that fits individual needs, preferences, and the occasion.
History and Craftsmanship of the Polki Jewellery
The history of handcrafted polki jewellery, be it categorised under antique polki jewellery or gold-finish polki, is connected to the land of Rajasthan since ancient times. In earlier days, handcrafted polki jewellery pieces were worn by the royal families of Rajasthan to reflect grandeur and status. However, over time, these uncut diamond jewellery pieces moved beyond royal households and became a cherished and timeless accessory in both Indian bridal and festive styling.
There is no denying that the beauty of polki jewellery, be it a polki necklace set or polki choker set lies in its traditional craftsmanship. You will be surprised to know that while making a piece of polki jewellery, uncut diamonds of varying shape, size and natural characteristics are used.
The experienced artisans thereby arrange the stones in a harmonious design and the process involves minute detailing. The stones are set traditionally into a gold framework or a lac-based setting technique. The reverse side features enamel artwork, offering an additional layer of artistry to the polki jewellery.
How is Polki Jewellery Made?
Handcrafted bridal polki jewellery involves meticulous detailing. Every piece is a curation of three things: uncut diamonds, precious metals, and traditional Indian craftsmanship. The very first step involves using natural, unpolished diamonds where each stone differs a lot in shape and size. Once the stones are assembled, the second step requires the skilled artisans to carefully arrange the stones to create a balanced design.
After the stones resemble a uniform appeal, the uncut diamonds are placed into a gold-toned framework. Here each stone is secured properly, and a few of the designs also use precious, colourful gemstones like emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. Now, once the front side is ready, the reverse side is secured by enamel artwork. This additional layer makes the accessory more timeless, reflecting the rich heritage of Indian jewellery in a more artistic and valuable way.
Understanding Polki Jewellery Vs Kundan Jewellery
1. Types of Stone Used
One of the major differences between kundan and handcrafted polki jewellery lies in the type of stone used. Polki jewellery uses uncut, unpolished natural diamonds, while kundan pieces are made using gemstones or glass stones.
2. Appearance of the Jewellery
The appearance is another key difference between these jewellery styles. Traditional polki jewellery exhibits a more natural, raw, and subtle sparkle. On the other hand, the kundan jewellery exhibits a more polished and colourful appearance.
3. Stone Setting Technique
Different processes are used for setting the stones in both the ethnic jewellery pieces. For crafting polki jewellery, irregular uncut stones are set carefully in a gold framework by hand. On the other hand, for crafting kundan jewellery, each stone is secured using a refined gold foil.
4. Overall Design
Uncut diamond jewellery also known as polki jewellery offers a more vintage and royal feel. On the other hand, kundan jewellery is perfect if you are looking for a more ornate, colourful, and elaborate ethnic jewellery design.
5. Versatility of the Accessories
All uncut diamond jewellery is a popular choice in the bridal jewellery checklist and even for grand occasion wear. Kundan jewellery can be styled for several occasions, from weddings, festive occasions, intimate celebrations, and even for cultural ceremonies.
Different Styles in Polki Jewellery for Brides
1. Polki Necklace Sets
One of the stunning styles in traditional polki jewellery every bride can consider adding to their wedding jewellery wardrobe is the polki necklace sets. Crafted in several styles, from long rani haars, to pendant, and layered necklaces, every piece of polki necklace set can add a layer of depth and volume to your neckline, making it a luxurious choice for every wedding celebration.
2. Polki Choker Set
Polki choker sets, be it categorised under gold-finish or antique polki jewellery are also a masterpiece to add to the wedding jewellery wish list. Designed to fit snugly around the neckline, every piece of polki choker set will not only offer a dramatic effect to your bridal silhouette. It is also a highly versatile pick, making them must-haves in every wedding jewellery trousseau.
3. Polki Earrings
Polki earrings, crafted in plenty of styles, from danglers, chandbalis, jhumkas, to studs, and earcuffs, are another standout choice for adding to a wedding jewellery wish list. Whether a bride goes for gold-finish or antique polki earrings, all these handcrafted polki jewellery pieces will not only add a finishing touch to the bridal silhouettes. It will offer an eye-catching movement, ensuring you effortlessly take the centre of the wedding stage.
4. Polki Chooda
Polki chooda, also commonly known as Punjabi chooda, are another timeless choice for adding to your handcrafted polki jewellery collection. Beyond occupying a deep emotional and cultural value, these traditional polki jewellery pieces are believed to attract prosperity, happiness, and blessings as the bride enters into her new chapter of life.
5. Polki Hathphool
Polki hathphool, crafted in both contemporary and traditional polki jewellery styles are stellar choices for adding an interesting charm to the bridal hand stack. Layering these pieces of wedding jewellery with mehendi hands or while performing any bridal ritual can indeed make you the spotlight, ensuring you walk the aisle with a graceful and royal look.
Styling Guide: How to Style Polki Jewellery?
1. Complement with Traditional Outfits
One of the easiest ways to accessorise any handcrafted polki jewellery is to layer it with Indian outfits like bridal lehengas, silk sarees, Anarkali, and sharara sets, it will add a layer of richness to your silhouettes.
2. Make One Piece the Centre
Another major tip you can follow for styling any handcrafted polki jewellery, be it gold-finish or antique polki jewellery is to make one polki piece the centre of your overall look. Like if your polki necklace set features elaborate detailing, consider making other accessories relatively subtle.
3. Complement Polki Jewellery with Outfit’s Tones
Ensure you are complementing your handcrafted polki jewellery, be it a bridal polki jewellery or festive style with the colour of your outfit. For example, gold-toned traditional polki jewellery complements deep-shade outfits such as red, maroon, emerald, navy blue, and wine hues.
Care Guide: How to Care for Your Polki Jewellery?
1. Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals
Handcrafted polki jewellery is very delicate. Using household cleaners, chlorine, and other beauty products can reduce the shine of the metal, gemstones, and the decorative detailing if any. Hence, always remove your polki accessories while swimming or applying any makeup products.
2. Handle the Polki Jewellery with Care
Polki jewellery is highly sensitive. Avoid dropping, pulling, or applying excessive pressure on the polki pieces. Any rough handling can loosen the stones and damage the delicate detailing on the polki accessories.
3. Clean Every Piece Gently
When storing the polki jewellery, always consider wiping it with a soft, dry and lint-free cloth. And avoid using any abrasive cleansers, it will maintain the sparkling shine of your polki jewellery for years to come.
Wrap Up
To summarise, every piece of handcrafted polki jewellery is beyond just a piece of wedding jewellery. Whether you opt for a gold-finish or antique polki jewellery, every piece is a beautiful reflection of India’s rich jewellery heritage. And by following this guide, from the right styling tips to exploring different styles, every piece of handcrafted polki jewellery will become a treasured part in your wedding jewellery collection and beyond.
About Ishhaara’s Bridal Polki Jewellery!
For jewellery lovers, especially brides who love embracing the timeless charm of polki jewellery, Ishhaara offers an exclusive collection of handcrafted polki jewellery. Whether you consider picking a statement piece for your haldi, mehendi, sangeet, or jaimala ceremony, there are endless designs to explore. From minimalist to elaborate, and heavily designed pieces, every piece of polki jewellery undergoes a 3-step quality check and involves artistic karigari.
Whichever piece a bride considers choosing, all the pieces are both timeless and trendy. Dive into our premium bridal moissanite polki jewellery collection today and find your perfect accessory that offers the blend of two worlds: traditional inspiration and modern styling at your special day celebrations!
FAQs
1. What is polki jewellery?
Polki jewellery refers to a traditional form of Indian jewellery. It is made using uncut, unpolished diamonds and is also sometimes referred to as uncut diamond jewellery. For jewellery lovers who desire a more raw, earthy and vintage look, polki jewellery made with gold and colourful gemstones is perfect for elevating any ethnic look.
2. What is the difference between polki and kundan jewellery?
The main difference between polki jewellery and kundan jewellery lies in the technique that undergoes while crafting these jewellery pieces. Polki jewellery, be it a polki necklace set or polki earrings, uses uncut, natural diamonds. On the other hand, kundan jewellery uses carefully cut and polished gemstones or glass stones which are further set in the gold foil framework. Traditional polki jewellery offers a more raw and natural sparkle, while kundan offers a more colourful sparkle.
3. Is polki jewellery made with real diamonds?
Yes, authentic polki jewellery is made using natural, uncut diamonds. However, in the modern fashion world, polki jewellery be it categorised under bridal polki jewellery or polki choker sets, is also made using lab-grown diamonds. For women who want to bring the sparkle of real diamonds at an affordable price, polki pieces made using lab-grown diamonds are the perfect choices.
4. Why is polki jewellery expensive?
Polki jewellery is expensive as it uses natural uncut diamonds, is made from precious metals, and undergoes intricate craftsmanship. Moreover, each piece of uncut diamond varies a lot in shape and size, thus making the setting process highly detailed and labour-intensive.
5. Which outfits complement polki jewellery?
Polki jewellery, be it styled in gold finish or antique polki jewellery are perfect picks for completing traditional and occasional looks. You can style them with lehenga cholis, sarees, anarkali, sharara suits, and even heavily embellished outfits. Moreover, every bride-to-be can style polki pieces with rich fabrics like silk, velvet, brocade, and so on, helping you make a bold statement on your big day.