How to Identify Real Kundan Jewellery: A Buyer’s Guide
Kundan jewellery represents one of India’s most treasured crafting traditions, primarily characterized by its intricate gold work and precious stone settings. While it has graced the necks of royalties, celebrities, elites, etc., as a symbol of elegance and cultural elegance, its popularity among a wider class of fashion enthusiasts has peaked in recent times.
Unfortunately, this surge in popularity and demand has led to an increase in counterfeit jewellery flooding the market. People planning to purchase Mangatrai real Kundan jewellery should be careful about imitation pieces being passed off as authentic Kundan jewellery.
This blog will help you learn how to identify real gold Kundan jewellery so you don’t confuse mass-produced, imitation designs for authentic ones. So, let’s explore practical tips shared below that can help you instantly identify authentic Kundan jewellery.
- Examine the Gold Foil and Application
One of the easiest ways to assess the authenticity of any Kundan jewellery is by inspecting its gold foil. Authentic Kundan jewellery features real gold foil with a distinctive warm and rich colour, which isn’t overly bright or artificial. So, always check whether the gold foil in your selected design features a consistent colour throughout the surface or whether patches/variations are visible.
Another notable highlight of real Kundan jewellery designs is that their gold foil feels smooth and substantial, not thin or papery like painted surfaces. Genuine gold foil will always carry a particular weight and density you can sense when handling the piece.
Those looking for extra caution should check whether the gold foil application is smooth or if signs of peeling are visible. Poor-quality imitations generally reveal their true nature through uneven gold foil application, colour inconsistency, visible brush marks, etc.
- Check the Stone Setting and Quality
A close look at a pearl Kundan jewellery set and an imitation piece will instantly demonstrate differences in stone settings and quality. For instance, in authentic designs, Kundan stones appear naturally embedded rather than simply glued on top.
Their lac backing system (visible from the reverse side) looks organic and hand-applied rather than machine-perfected. When examining the jewellery, inspect the gemstone’s appearance for clarity. Authentic gemstones and semi-precious stones will always exhibit natural characteristics like inclusions, colour variations, and proper light refraction that glass or plastic imitations cannot replicate.
Their weight also differs significantly from glass or acrylic alternatives. If it looks overwhelming, you can simply explore real Kundan jewellery, as the brand is known to provide authentic Kundan jewellery.
- Verify the Base Metal and Construction
If you’re buying Kundan bridal jewellery, always ensure you pay for authentic pieces by assessing them against their base metal and construction. Authentic Kundan jewellery always uses silver or high-quality alloys to support intricate gold and stone work.
The design’s overall weight and feel are also different. They provide substantial heft that reflects quality throughout the piece. Everyone should examine the backing and structural elements carefully, as genuine pieces will always show signs of proper metalworking techniques, such as quality soldering, appropriate thickness, reinforcement in stress areas, etc.
The jewellery’s base should feel substantial, not thin or hollow. You can also look for quality construction signs, such as proper backing plates, secure attachment points, and overall structural integrity.
- Assess the Overall Craftsmanship and Finish
Skilled craftsmanship is the hallmark of authentic Kundan jewellery. Hence, always examine the jewellery’s overall construction to identify signs of meticulous attention to detail in every element. While most real Kundan jewellery pieces maintain high-quality standards, they may feature subtle irregularities that prove human hands created them rather than machines.
The design’s symmetry and proportion deserve special attention as they always maintain balance instead of mechanical precision. Another aspect to evaluate is the jewellery’s finishing quality. It has to be even throughout the design with smooth edges, well-formed joints, etc. If the shortlisted design features meenakari work, it should show the same level of craftsmanship as the front space.
Real pieces always feel substantial and well-balanced when worn, distributing the weight evenly throughout the design. To avoid imitation jewellery labelled as Kundan, check if the designs have sharp edges, visible glue marks, poor joint quality, and an overall flimsy or uneven construction. These are common signs of counterfeit Kundan jewellery, so always keep them in mind.
Buying Real Kundan Jewellery Like an Expert
Precise identification of Kundan jewellery’s authenticity is non-negotiable for most buyers, especially those exploring high-end options. Being able to differentiate between real and fake Kundan jewellery can help people invest in the right accessory while contributing to preserving the ancient art of Kundan craftsmanship.
While there are numerous ways to spot authentic Kundan jewellery, the simplest yet most effective ways have been discussed in this blog. Beginners can face challenges in the identification process, but diligently following the steps shared in this blog can ease the process.
If you still cannot differentiate between real and fake Kundan jewellery, consider consulting a professional jeweller or buying it from a reliable brand like Mangatrai, which enjoys a strong market position for selling authentic gold Kundan jewellery.
