Kundan, American diamond or temple jewellery: which to wear when

Kundan-style: colour and glass

Kundan-style jewellery sets flat glass stones in a gold-tone frame, often with coloured beads or pearls hanging below. It belongs with silk, brocade and heavy lehengas, and it is the safest choice for a wedding where most guests wear traditional clothes.

Our kundan pieces are fashion jewellery: glass stones in a plated brass or alloy setting, not gold or real polki. Each product page lists the materials.

American diamond: clear stones, modern lines

American diamond (AD) is the Indian name for clear CZ-style stones. They catch the light the way a cut stone does, so they suit receptions, cocktail evenings, gowns and Indo-western outfits. In silver tone they pair well with pastels; in gold tone they sit comfortably with a saree.

Temple and antique: the South Indian look

Temple-style jewellery uses motifs from temple architecture, such as Lakshmi coins, peacocks, lotuses and mango shapes, usually in an antique gold-tone finish with red and green stones. It is made for Kanjeevaram and other silk sarees, and for classical dance.

A quick way to choose

Heavy silk or a bridal lehenga: kundan or temple. Georgette, net, a gown or anything with sequins: American diamond. If you buy only one set this season, a kundan choker with matching earrings covers the most functions.