How to Care for Kundan Jewelry

Kundan and Polki pieces are built differently from most modern jewelry, and that difference matters for how you look after them. Understanding why makes the care rules below far easier to actually follow, rather than just a list of dos and don'ts.

Why Kundan and Polki Need Different Care

As covered in what Kundan jewelry actually is, traditional Kundan and Jadau work can use lac — a natural resin — as part of the setting structure that supports the gold foil and stones. Because lac is sensitive to moisture, prolonged exposure to water can compromise traditional settings, gradually loosening stones that were originally pressed firmly into place.

This is true whether a piece is set with genuine diamonds or with glass, since the vulnerability comes from the setting method, not the stone itself. For traditional lac-based settings, moisture is one of the most important things to avoid — though careful handling matters too, since these are still delicate, hand-worked pieces overall.

The Core Rule: Keep Traditional Kundan Settings Dry

For Kundan and Polki jewelry, this is the rule that matters more than any other:

• Never submerge the piece in water.
• Never soak it, even briefly — some general jewelry-cleaning advice recommends soaking methods, but they're specifically unsuitable for lac-based settings and can loosen stones over time.
• Avoid ultrasonic cleaners unless a qualified professional specifically confirms the technique is suitable for that particular piece.
• Clean only with a soft, dry cloth, wiping gently after each wear to remove dust and skin oils.
• Use a soft, dry brush — a clean, soft-bristled makeup or lipstick brush works well — to reach dust in detailed crevices without introducing moisture.

If a piece needs more than a gentle dry wipe — visible tarnish, a stone that feels loose, or dulled enamel — that's a job for a professional, not a home remedy.

Wearing It: A Few Simple Habits

• Jewelry goes on last. Apply perfume, lotion, and hairspray before putting the piece on, not after. These products are a common source of chemical damage to gold foil and enamel work.
• Take it off before water contact. Remove Kundan or Polki pieces before washing your hands, showering, or swimming — the same moisture rule applies even to brief contact.

Storing It Between Wears

• Store pieces separately, in soft cloth pouches or a lined jewelry box, rather than loose in a drawer where they can scratch against other jewelry.
• Keep it dry. A cool, dry place is best; a silica gel packet in the storage box helps absorb ambient humidity, particularly useful during humid seasons or in coastal climates.
• Handle by the edges where possible, rather than pressing directly on stone settings.

When to See a Professional

Kundan and Polki pieces, especially older or heirloom ones, are worth having checked periodically rather than waiting for something to go visibly wrong. A jeweler experienced with traditional settings can re-secure a loosening stone, clean built-up tarnish safely, and catch small issues — a lifted edge of foil, a hairline crack in enamel — before they become bigger ones.

A piece that took weeks of specialised craftsmanship to create deserves equally thoughtful care: a few minutes after each wear, careful storage between occasions, and professional attention whenever something doesn't look or feel right.

Revisit the collection that started this guide: Kundan & Polki Heritage →, or learn how a bespoke piece comes together in The Bespoke Journey →