The Art and History of Jadau Kundan Chokers | Heritage Dulhan Jewellery by Kanshi Jewels

What is Jadau Kundan Jewellery?

Kundan Jadau is among the most prized forms of classical Indian jewelry, most sought after by brides. While ornaments are made on machines, jadau pieces are created with the help of old techniques. "Jadau" is derived from the word "jadna," which translates to "to set." This process comprises delicate setting of stones into gold with a natural resin known as lac.

This is not standard jewellery-making but is a highly skilled craft that has been handed down through generations of craftsmen. In  Kanshi Jewels, we think that each jadau kundan item holds heritage, sentiment, and extraordinary craftsmanship. It's gold and gems, but it's a story of shine and detail.

Historical Origins of Jadau Jewellery

The origins of  jadau jewellery date back to the Mughal times. The refined craft of stone-setting, brought by the Mughals, was soon mastered and refined by artisans in Rajasthan and Gujarat. These royal pieces soon became a part of royal closets and wedding trousseaus throughout India.

Today, modern-day artisans continue to apply the same traditional techniques, particularly in Jaipur, Bikaner, and Hyderabad cities. All three cities specialize in skilled artistry in luxury bridal sets with jadau kundan techniques. This mode has been a part of dulhan jewelry and Indian wedding culture for centuries.

Why Brides Love a Jadau Kundan Choker

Among every kind of dulhan jewellery, jadau kundan choker is the most preferred by brides. Worn around the neck, it brings a bold yet sophisticated look to any bridal ensemble. Jadau kundan's beautiful intricate work elevates it to the status of a family heirloom rather than a common necklace.

Brides wear chokers not only for tradition but also for their elegance. Chokers for dulhan are often family heirlooms kept from earlier weddings. The emotional value provides them with some of the most cherished bridal accessories.

The choker is used from pre-wedding ceremonies until the wedding day. It becomes the highlight of the bride's attire on most occasions. It looks good with dulhan earrings, a maang tikka, and other bridal jewelry to make one look gorgeous.

Dulhan Jewellery That Tells a Story

Dulhan jewellery is not just about looks; it tells a story. For jadau kundan chokers, the designs feature symbolic meanings inspired by temple architecture and nature.  

Some common symbols include:  

Lotus flowers – representing innocence  

Peacocks – symbolizing elegance  

Mango shapes – indicating fertility  

Floral vines and leaves – representing enduring love

In South India, temple jewellery is teamed up with jadau jewellery to create thicker chokers with gold engravings and god idols. In Gujarat and Rajasthan, thicker chokers with Polki stones (unpolished diamonds) and bright gemstones make the style quotient high.

No matter how simple or how complex, each dulhan piece has a little bit of regional flair, feeling, and centuries of heritage.

What Makes Jadau Kundan Different From Other Styles

You would normally hear names such as Kundan, Polki, and Meenakari during bridal jewellery conversations. Here's how they are placed together in jadau jewellery:

Kundan: A process of mounting stones in gold using gold foil.

Polki: Unprocessed precious stones that are normally paired with Jadau work.

Meenakari: Enamel work, typically done on the reverse side of pieces to add beauty.

Jadau is the process of setting gems on the lac base with the above designs but surpassing in handmade grace and antique charm. Jadau kundan is not similar to ordinary machine-made jewelry because it preserves purity and delicacy, which makes it ideal for dulhan pieces.

Complete Bridal Look: It's More Than a Choker

The  jadau kundan choker can be a showstopper, but an entire set of dulhan jewellery as part of the bridal look consists of other jewellery pieces.These are what the brides typically add:

Dulhan Earrings: Typically dramatic and long, with the same pattern as the choker.

Maang Tikka: Decorated on the forehead, with the same pattern as the choker.

Nath (Nose Ring): Some prefer a bold nath, others prefer a gentle one.

Bangles or Kadas: Gold or jewel-studded heavy bangles that decorate the arms.

Kamarbandh: Waistbands that impart beauty and support the lehenga.

Haathphool: Hand chains that connect rings with bangles to create the royal look.

Each one of them creates a coordinating dulhan jewelry ensemble. The idea is to make the bride look like royalty, confident and irreplaceable.

How to Choose the Perfect Choker for Your Face & Wedding Dress

Not every bride will look good in every choker. Keep these rules in mind for choosing the ideal jadau kundan choker as per face shape and wedding dress:

 Round Face: Avoid very thick chokers. Go for slightly longer or layered ones.

 Heart-Shaped Face: Go for less dramatic, softer designs to balance a wide forehead.

 Oval Face: Most choker styles will suit you! Thicker or layered styles are great choices.

 Square Face: Go for rounder types to blur the jawline.

Pay attention to your outfit as well:

 If your blouse has a high neckline, choose a small choker.  

 If your neckline is low, select a fuller, broader choker with detailed jadau kundan work.

Heavier jewellery pairs nicely with lighter embroidery, and vice versa.

This evenness ensures the attention doesn't fall on your outfit or accessories, but you.

Where the Best Jadau Jewellery Is Made

The best jadau jewellery in India is sourced from traditional hubs like:

Jaipur: The hub of original jadau kundan jewellery, especially wedding sets.

Bikaner: Has typical polki patterns and chokers designed by the family.

Hyderabad: Combines South Indian gold craftsmanship with Mughal settings.

These are cultural homestays of generations of artisans, and not just business centers. Our source of inspiration at Kanshi Jewels is these traditional designs, with a contemporary twist that today's brides love.

How to Maintain Jadau Jewellery

Unlike costume jewellery, jadau kundan should be treated with care. See these tips to keep your dulhan jewellery in its optimum condition:

Avoid spraying perfume or body mist onto your jewellery.

Dry it, as moisture could de-stabilize the setting.

Keep it in a padded case or wrap it around with soft cloth.

Never pile dulhan chokers or earrings on top of other accessories since they are liable to scratch or get knotted.

Your bridal accessories and choker can last for generations if properly cared for.

Kanshi Jewels  and the Dulhan Jewellery Heritage

At Kanshi Jewels, we believe dulhan jewellery should be narrated. We hand make every jadau kundan choker, earring, and set with love and legacy. We draw inspiration from the history of India, reinterpreted for the modern bride who wants both style and meaning.

We try to wed tradition and fashion to create pieces which not only adorn but are treasured.

Conclusion

A jadau kundan choker is not just a piece of jewelry; it's a piece of art, a piece of history, and a family heirloom. Whether the bride on her first outing or the daughter inheriting it from her mother, feelings take priority over the gold and diamonds.

Every stone, bend, and twinkle tells the tale of its travels, from Mughal courts to weddings today. By choosing a dulhan jewellery set from Kanshi Jewels, you're not merely accessorizing—you're embracing tradition.

FAQs

Q1: Is Jadau Kundan jewellery exclusive to brides?

Not at all. Although it is most highly valued in bridal sets, many women wear jadau jewellery on festivals and family gatherings.

Q2: How do I check if my Jadau piece is handcrafted?

Handcrafted pieces are normally characterized by tiny, subtle flaws. Carefully examine the settings of the stone and the overall finish.

Q3: What metal is used in Jadau jewellery?

Gold is traditional, but we at Kanshi Jewels also craft pieces of gold-plated silver for a less expensive alternative.

Q4: Can Jadau be worn with Western clothing?

Yes, jadau kundan chokers or dulhan earrings look good with short gowns or Indo-Western for a fusion.

Q5: Why is Kanshi Jewels special?

Kanshi Jewels combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Our dulhan jewellery respects tradition while also giving comfort, quality, and sophistication to the modern bride.