The Undeniable Charm of Kundan and Traditional Indian Necklaces

Jewelry isn’t just about metal and sparkle; it's about memory, identity, and legacy. Few adornments embody this sentiment as powerfully as a traditional Indian necklace. In particular, the Kundan necklace, along with its glorious cousins such as Polki Kundan, Meenakari, Pachi Kundan, and Rajwadi antique styles, remains one of the most cherished treasures in Indian culture. These pieces aren't just part of a wedding outfit. They’re ceremonial heirlooms. Carriers of craftsmanship. They shine not just on a woman’s collarbone but in family portraits, bridal rituals, and festive celebrations. At Yashti Jewellers, we believe these are more than accessories; they are stories waiting to be worn.

So, what makes these necklace styles so iconic, and why are they being embraced by women across New York, London, Dubai, and Melbourne with equal fervor? Let’s explore the origins, design significance, and timeless beauty of each.

Kundan Necklace Sets

Kundan Necklace Sets are the Royal Heartbeat of Indian Jewelry. At the very core of traditional Indian jewelry lies the Kundan necklace. Its origin traces back to the Mughal era, where royal courts of Rajasthan and Gujarat introduced this intricate art form. The technique involves pressing glass stones into pure gold foil to create a rich, embossed lookone that’s both grand and feminine.

A Kundan necklace set often comes with matching earrings and sometimes a maang tikka. Its design ranges from simple floral patterns to elaborate bibs that rest like armor made of gems. Yashti’s Floral Design Kundan Necklace Set, with its pastel hues and classic arrangement, is a perfect example of this elegance reborn for the modern bride.

What makes Kundan jewelry special isn’t just its beauty. It’s the artisanal process that each piece is handcrafted, stone by stone. There’s no shortcut to perfection here.

Polki Kundan Necklaces

If Kundan is about traditional shimmer, Polki Kundan is about raw luxury. Unlike glass-filled Kundan stones, Polki uses uncut natural diamonds. These diamonds, called ‘polkis,’ are not faceted or polished, which gives them a warm, organic sparkle like moonlight trapped in stone.

Polki necklaces are heavier, more opulent, and often associated with bridal grandeur. They’re especially favored in North Indian weddings, where layered long Kundan necklaces are worn with lehengas or regal sarees. Yashti’s Polki Green Stone Bridal Necklace, with its emerald drops and rose gold base, embodies everything this style stands for: richness, heritage, and heirloom beauty.

What’s interesting is how brides today pair them not just with traditional wear, but also with gowns and Indo-Western outfits. The mix of raw diamond texture and contemporary styling makes it globally appealing.

Meenakari Necklaces

Imagine a necklace where the back is as beautiful as the front. That’s Meenakari. This technique of making a necklace involves painting vivid colors on metal using enamel, usually in floral or bird motifs. Often combined with Kundan work, Meenakari necklaces offer two layers of beauty. One, the front-facing glitter. Two, the intricate, hand-painted reverse that rests gently against your skin.

It’s a style that speaks to the artistic soul. Yashti’s Pink & Blue Meenakari Choker is a stunning choice for Mehendi functions, Haldi celebrations, or even destination weddings where playful color is key. Meenakari jewelry also appeals to those who love collecting wearable art. It’s not loud; it’s poetic.

Pachi Kundan

Pachi Kundan is the Statement Cousin of Kundan. It is heavier than Kundan, chunkier than Polki Pachi Kundan is all about bold structure and royal charisma. The stones are set in raised frames, often resembling floral or paisley motifs. The craft originated in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan and is less common today, which makes it even more precious.

While Kundan feels regal and Meenakari feels artistic, Pachi feels powerful. It commands attention. Yashti’s Handcrafted Pachi Kundan Bridal Set is perfect for brides who want to make a strong style statement without losing that traditional Indian essence. It pairs beautifully with heritage sarees and banarasi lehengas, but fashion-forward brides have even styled it over structured blazers and contemporary silhouettes.

Rajwadi or Antique Necklaces

Rajwadi necklaces, also known as antique or temple-style necklaces, bring a vintage aesthetic that no machine-made jewelry can replicate. Unlike Choker Kundan Necklace Set they are typically created in antique gold finishes with matte textures, these necklaces often feature goddess motifs, elephants, and vinesdeeply rooted in South Indian and Maratha aesthetics.

The finish is usually oxidized or muted gold, giving it a rustic appearance. Yashti’s Rajwadi Matte Gold Necklace and Temple Style Set are designed to evoke the elegance of centuries-old royal households. These necklaces are especially popular for religious ceremonies, traditional festivals like Pongal and Navratri, or even as mother-of-the-bride pieces.

So, How Do These Styles Compare?

Why Are Indian Necklaces Loved Around the World?

It’s not just about tradition. It’s about story, symbolism, and identity.

From Indian brides in Canada wanting to feel rooted on their wedding day to fashionistas in New York styling a Kundan choker with a black dress, Indian necklaces speak across cultures. Here’s why they’ve become globally popular:

They blend opulence with art. Unlike factory-made Western jewelry, each Indian piece is a craft project. There’s something for everyonewhether you want color (Meenakari), sparkle (Polki), tradition (Rajwadi), or drama (Pachi).

The Traditional Kundan Necklace Set are heirloom-worthy. These aren’t “wear and throw” accessoriesthey’re keep-forever kinds.

Social media has played a big role. International brides are discovering Yashti’s collections through Instagram, Pinterest, and reelsand they want a piece of that heritage. Customization makes them feel personal, even across oceans.

Each necklace at Yashti is handcrafted with deep love and precision. From Kundan and Polki to Meenakari and Rajwadi, our pieces are inspired by royal archives and designed for real women of today.

Whether you're building a bridal trousseau, gifting a daughter something timeless, or just indulging in your love for heritage jewelry, Yashti offers a wide range of curated necklaces made on order. Customizations can be discussed via WhatsApp for a personalized experience.

All orders are made to perfection. Prices and options can be tailored because every story deserves its own sparkle.

The Indian necklace, be it Kundan, Polki, Meenakari, Pachi, or Rajwadi, isn’t just a trend. It’s a tradition. Its identity, legacy, and luxury are all woven into one radiant masterpiece. Wearing one isn’t about looking beautiful. It’s about feeling timeless.

So go ahead, choose your story. Choose your sparkle. Choose Yashti.