Real kundan is a traditional fine jewellery technique in which gemstones or uncut diamonds are set in a gold frame using very pure gold foil. Imitation kundan reproduces the look with glass or synthetic stones, coloured foil and a brass or alloy frame that is gold plated.
The two can look similar in photos, but they differ in materials, weight, durability, price and the rules for how they may be described when sold.
How they compare
- Frame: real kundan uses solid gold; imitation uses brass, copper or alloy with gold plating.
- Stones: real kundan uses precious or semi-precious stones and polki (uncut) diamonds; imitation uses glass, acrylic or synthetic stones.
- Setting: real kundan is set with refined gold foil; imitation uses lac or adhesive with foil and a gold-coloured rim.
- Back: real pieces often carry meenakari enamel on the reverse; imitation pieces may copy it with enamel paint or leave a plain back.
- Value: real kundan holds value as gold and gems; imitation pieces are fashion goods with no metal value.
Telling them apart
Weight and the back of the piece give most away. Real gold sets are heavier for their size, and the reverse is usually finely finished. Imitation stones are often uniformly bright and flawless, while real gems show natural variation. Only testing and, for gold, a hallmark confirm the metal for certain.
Why the difference matters when you sell
Imitation kundan must be described as imitation, fashion or costume jewellery, with the base metal and plating stated. Calling it kundan gold, gold kundan or real stones when it is not can breach consumer protection rules in most markets and invites returns and complaints.
Use clear phrases such as kundan-style, imitation kundan or gold-plated kundan-look set, and give the base metal. Our article on imitation, fashion and artificial jewellery explains the wider terms.
Quality within imitation kundan
Imitation kundan ranges from cheap, lightly glued pieces to carefully set work with deep cups, good foil and thicker plating. The better grades cost more but last longer and photograph better, and they are what most diaspora wedding buyers expect.
What this means for a buyer
Decide which grade of imitation kundan fits your price point, and describe it honestly on every listing. Creston & Co works for buyers only, for a fixed fee agreed in writing, compares kundan grades across Rajkot workshops and checks setting and plating before shipment. Book a free sourcing review.