How to Spot Fake vs. Real Kundan Jewellery When Shopping on a Budget – A Guide by Danish Jewellers

Kundan jewellery has a timeless charm that captivates with its intricate designs and dazzling gemstones. Originating from India, Kundan pieces are often seen as a symbol of heritage and luxury. However, with the growing popularity of this art form, there are also many fake or imitation pieces flooding the market. For anyone shopping on a budget, distinguishing between authentic and fake Kundan jewellery can be challenging. But worry not! In this guide, Danish Jewellers will help you learn how to spot real Kundan jewellery without breaking the bank.

What is Kundan Jewellery?

Before diving into how to spot fake Kundan, let’s first understand what authentic Kundan jewellery is. Kundan is a traditional form of Indian gemstone jewellery, known for its use of meticulously set stones in pure gold. It involves a special technique where gemstones are set into gold foil using a mixture of lac (resin) and other natural materials. Real Kundan jewellery features intricate designs and is often studded with semi-precious or precious stones, such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and pearls.

Fake vs. Real Kundan Jewellery: Key Differences

While Kundan jewellery is revered for its artistry, fakes or imitations are often made with lower-quality materials and shortcuts in craftsmanship. Here are the key features to help you differentiate between real and fake Kundan jewellery:

1. Check the Setting of the Stones

• Real Kundan Jewellery: The stones are carefully set with gold foil, and the setting is tight and secure. If you closely observe, you’ll notice the distinct, smooth, and polished edges of the Kundan stones.

• Fake Kundan Jewellery: Imitations often use cheap glue or low-quality materials to set the stones. The stones may appear uneven or loosely set, and you might even see gaps or poorly finished edges.

2. Evaluate the Weight and Feel

• Real Kundan Jewellery: Authentic Kundan jewellery tends to be heavier due to the gold setting and craftsmanship. The quality of the materials adds to the overall weight and feel.

• Fake Kundan Jewellery: Fake pieces are typically lighter as they are made with base metals like copper or brass, which are not as dense as gold. If a piece feels surprisingly light, it may not be real Kundan.

3. Look for Gold Plating vs. Solid Gold

• Real Kundan Jewellery: While the base is usually gold, some Kundan jewellery may feature a thin gold plating over silver or another metal. However, true Kundan pieces will still have high-quality gold and intricate gold-work visible in the setting.

• Fake Kundan Jewellery: Inexpensive, fake pieces may use a cheap base metal like alloy or copper and are often plated with a thin layer of gold. These pieces may tarnish quickly and lose their shine.

4. Inspect the Craftsmanship and Design

• Real Kundan Jewellery: Kundan jewellery is known for its meticulous craftsmanship, with every stone carefully placed and set. The designs are typically symmetrical and highly detailed.

• Fake Kundan Jewellery: Imitation pieces often have sloppy workmanship, with poorly aligned stones, rough edges, or designs that appear rushed or lack finesse.

5. Test the Stones

• Real Kundan Jewellery: The stones in authentic Kundan jewellery are often semi-precious or precious stones, such as rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. These stones are cut to reflect light beautifully and have a certain depth to them.

• Fake Kundan Jewellery: Fake pieces often use glass or plastic stones that look similar to gemstones at first glance but lack the natural shine, depth, and sparkle. You can also look at the transparency of the stones—real Kundan gemstones typically have a depth and clarity that fakes don't possess.

6. Price vs. Quality

• Real Kundan Jewellery: Because of the labor-intensive craftsmanship and the materials used (gold, precious gemstones, etc.), authentic Kundan jewellery is usually priced higher.

• Fake Kundan Jewellery: If a piece of Kundan jewellery seems too good to be true for the price, it probably is. Fake pieces are made with lower-quality materials and sold at a much cheaper price.

7. Look for Hallmarks and Certifications

• Real Kundan Jewellery: Trusted jewellers like Danish Jewellers offer pieces with proper certification and hallmarks. Hallmarks verify the authenticity of the metal used and the craftsmanship of the jewellery.

• Fake Kundan Jewellery: Imitations often don’t come with any certification, and the hallmark might be fake or missing altogether. Always ask for certificates when purchasing real Kundan jewellery.

How to Shop for Real Kundan Jewellery on a Budget

Shopping for Kundan jewellery on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. Here are some tips to help you find affordable yet authentic Kundan pieces:

1. Buy from Reputable Jewellers: Always purchase Kundan jewellery from trusted, well-known jewellers like Danish Jewellers. Their reputation for offering authentic pieces ensures you get the best value for your money.

2. Opt for Smaller Pieces: If you're on a budget, consider buying smaller, delicate Kundan jewellery pieces such as earrings, rings, or pendants. These items still showcase the beauty of Kundan craftsmanship without the high cost of larger pieces.

3. Look for Semi-Precious Stones: While authentic Kundan jewellery may feature expensive stones like diamonds, you can still get beautiful designs with semi-precious stones like topaz, citrine, or amethyst.

4. Consider Kundan-Style Jewellery: If you’re looking for the aesthetic of Kundan jewellery but at a lower cost, consider Kundan-style pieces. These often use imitation stones and base metals but still offer the same intricate designs and elegance.

5. Check for Discounts and Offers: Keep an eye out for seasonal sales, promotions, or discounts offered by reputed jewellers. This allows you to buy genuine Kundan jewellery at a reduced price.

Conclusion

Spotting fake Kundan jewellery requires a keen eye for detail and an understanding of its unique features. By carefully assessing the materials, craftsmanship, and design, you can easily tell the difference between real and imitation Kundan jewellery. When shopping on a budget, always make sure to buy from trusted sources like Danish Jewellers, where you’ll find high-quality Kundan pieces that reflect both tradition and elegance.

Remember, true beauty lies in the details, and Kundan jewellery is no exception. By following this guide, you can confidently invest in authentic Kundan jewellery without the worry of falling for fakes. Happy shopping!

Visit us at https://www.danishjewellersindia.com or contact us for personalized assistance in finding the ideal Kundan piece for you.