Today, Bahawalpur, a city in Southern Punjab, is the city for you to go shop Kundan jewellery shopping. However, few know about the value of craft.
Kundan jewellery is one of the oldest crafting styles; it was brought to South Asia several centuries ago, where it flourished under the patronage of the Mughals. It was then successfully adapted by other royal families of the Indian Subcontinent.
The process of making these pieces starts with setting the mold. Once the design is set, thin strips of gold are cut, coiled, and shaped.
After that, the outer surface is engraved with designs and patterns, using wax and more gold, thus etching the design on the surface of the Kundan jewellery piece.
This is followed by meenakari, a technique by which the previously engraved patterns are filled with various natural colors. Other stones are also incorporated into the pieces to flaunt the colors Meenakari gave them.
Kundan jewellery remains an art form in crafting jewellery. The entire process requires immense skill, and each piece is handmade.
Motifs on the Kundan jewellery are primarily inspired by nature and architecture, and florals remain a favorite. Traditionally extremely intricate and a symbol of royalty, it has evolved into designs suited for everyone. Although commercialization did have an impact on workmanship, however, the style continues to be a popular favorite for women in Pakistan as well as India.
An exquisite Mughal-era jewellery box crafted like Kundan jewellery and adorned with meenakari.
A Kundan piece from Hyderabadi royalty
Some beautiful pieces of Kundan and Meenakari pieces
This blog has been written by Komal Salman.
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