 One of the oldest forms of jewellery made and worn in India is the 24-carat pure gold Kundan jewellery. Kundan work is a method of gem setting, consisting of inserting gold foil between the stones and its mount. Kundan jewellery received great patronage during the Mughal era and the most beautiful pieces were created in those times.
Often Kundan work is combined with enameling, Meenakari, so that a piece of jewellery has two equally beautiful surfaces, enamel at the back end and Kundan set gems in the front. Meenakari involves the fusion of colored minerals, such as cobalt oxide for blue, copper oxide for green. This, on the surface of the metal, gives the effect of precious stone inlay work. Lately designers have started using uncut diamonds/ colored glass or crystals as embellishments in saris, lehengas and accessories like handbags and shoes. This is called "Kundan Work" as it involves embroidery with stones set in metal surround and looks similar to Kundan jewellery.
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