Know Your Polki

While purchasing Polki Jewellery online, you must be aware of and understand the primary differences between Polki and other non precious stones like Kundan.

While the craft of the jewellery making is the same, Polki and Kundan are distinctly different. Polki uses uncut diamonds in its most natural state, where as Kundan, is simply glass stones, and in essence, not precious.

There are 3 types of Polki: Syndicate, Zimbabwe & Kilwas. Tyaani.com uses syndicate Polki in all its Jadau Jewellery. Polki gives off a much softer sparkle hence the brilliance is more subtle as compared to Kundan which is highly polished glass hence reflects light brightly. Each piece is unique and the beauty lies in its imperfections. Polki Jewellery is handcrafted and no two pieces of Polki are alike. Kundan are machine made, pieces of glass that are highly polished and shine brightly. A discerning eye can easily distinguish between the two.

To make an informed choice, you need to know the difference. So, be sure, you are buying the real thing.

Every piece of jewellery is a work of art, and needs to be treated with care and caution. Here’s a list of things to keep in mind to protect your jewellery –

Spraying perfume directly on to your piece of Polki Jewellery could in time damage it. There may be gradual discolouration because of the chemicals in the perfume and / or if the moisture that settles in.Store your Jadau Jewellery in a dry place, at room temperature away from moisture. Your best storage option is an airtight plastic box, or the box provided by Tyaani.com. Beware, of the ornate looking velvet boxes which are nothing but moisture traps. Your Polki Jewellery will turn blackish over a period of time if you are not careful with it.Handle with care! As you would any priceless work of art. Be gentle with your Polki Jewellery while putting on or removing it, so that it doesn’t slip out of your hands, and drop to the floor weakening it.If it all you need to clean your Polki Jewellery,Use soft cloth and wipe gentlyDo not wash it with soap and water. Remember, it has to be kept dry.Do not scrub Polki directly – with toothbrush or any other abrasive material

The roots of Polki diamonds can be traced back to India long before they were popular in the west, and are one of the oldest forms of cut diamonds. They are cut to follow the original rough and have an unfaceted, unpolished surface. While, they are largely used in traditional jewellery and are used mainly on festive occasions, western designers can be credited for making these classic diamonds more contemporary and coupling them with red carpet looks thus making this entire segment younger and trendier.

Jadau was the first art form in jewellery that originated in the indo Gangetic plains. It was started in Rajasthan and Gujarat during the Mughal era. Jadau requires a team of artisans involved together to complete one piece of jewellery. A design is conceptualised by the designer. Following the design The Chiterias (mould specialists) make the basic frame as per the jewellery sketch. Once the mould is ready The Ghaarias are responsible for the engraving the mould to give an ethnic old-world feel. The mould is in 22 karat usually helping the metal to be malleable hence the artisan can sculpt an intricate design. The next process is enameling or Meenakari which is done by the enameller and finally the Jadia or setter takes Care of the Kundan or gold which is in 24 karat to set the highly delicate uncut diamonds or Polkis.

Today, Polki is still one of the most coveted forms of jewellery, and only recently has become more accessible. Design and form, are two of the drivers for the discerning consumer. The appeal is that each piece is uniquely different from the other, and by virtue of the way that is cut, gives it a very subtle and understated look, thus appealing to a much younger segment.

Tyaani.com has dedicated itself towards educating the consumer about Polki, Jadau, how it differs from Kundan, as well as providing the consumer with a range of contemporary yet traditional Polki Jewellery.