Affordable Kundan Jewellery for Weddings: How to Judge Quality at a Low Price

Good affordable Kundan jewellery shows itself in how the stones are set, how even the plating is and how the back of the piece is finished, not in how much it costs. Kundan at a low price is imitation jewellery: gold plating over brass or copper, with stones that are not real gems. That is fine for a wedding as long as you know what to check. The checks below work on any brand, and the price bands come from Sirini's live catalogue on 21 September 2026.

What affordable Kundan actually is

Affordable Kundan is a gold-plated metal frame with glass or synthetic stones held in place by foil and a setting, made to look like traditional Kundan. Traditional Kundan uses pure gold and gemstones and is priced accordingly, which is why imitation exists. Our complete guide to Kundan and the article on how Kundan is made explain the craft. The Kundan collection starts near Rs 720 for small pieces and reaches about Rs 28,240 for large bridal ones.

Check the stone setting first

Stones should sit evenly in their settings, with no gaps, no visible glue and no stones tilted or loose. Run a fingertip along the front: a rough or sharp edge suggests hurried work. Look for consistent stone shape and colour across the piece, since a pair of earrings that do not match is a sign of poor sorting. Sirini's Kundan stones are set by hand at its own workshop in Santacruz West, Mumbai, and any maker should be able to tell you where and how theirs are set.

Check the plating and colour

Plating should look the same tone everywhere, with no patches, bubbles or pale edges on the raised parts. A very bright, mirror-like yellow can look cheap in photographs, while a warmer gold or antique tone usually looks richer against skin and silk. Plating is a thin layer, so expect it to wear at points of contact over years. Our gold-plated vs solid gold guide is honest about this trade-off.

Check the weight and structure

A piece with some weight usually has a sturdier brass or copper frame, while a very light piece can be thin sheet metal that bends. Heavy is not always better, because a heavy necklace tires you across a long ceremony, so aim for a balance you can wear for hours. Check the clasp, the hooks and the dori (the thread tie) on a necklace: these fail before the stones do.

Check the back and the finish

The back of a piece should be smooth and clean, since it rests on your skin and clothing. Meenakari pieces often have enamelled colour on the back too, so a tidy back is a sign of care. Look for sharp burrs, exposed glue and uneven soldering. If you are choosing between Kundan and other styles, our Polki and Meenakari collections show how their finishes differ.

Where the value sits at each budget

At low prices, spend on the pieces people notice most, and keep supporting pieces simple. Sirini groups pieces by price: under Rs 3,000, under Rs 5,000 and under Rs 10,000. Necklace sets in the necklace sets collection begin near Rs 1,760 and rise past Rs 35,000 for the largest. Prices depend on size and detailing rather than on material.

Care so it lasts through the wedding season

Keep Kundan away from water, perfume and sweat, because moisture behind the foil dulls the stones for good. Put jewellery on last, after makeup and perfume, and take it off first. Store each piece separately in a soft pouch. The care and storage guide has the full routine. To handle a piece before buying, visit our Mumbai showroom.

Common questions

Is affordable Kundan jewellery real gold?

No. It is gold-plated imitation jewellery over brass or copper with non-precious stones. Sirini does not sell real gold or real diamond jewellery.

How can I tell if Kundan jewellery is good quality?

Check that stones are evenly set with no gaps or visible glue, that the plating is one consistent tone, and that the back is smooth. Also check the clasps and thread ties.

How long does gold-plated Kundan last?

It depends on how often you wear it and how you store it. Worn for a few functions and kept dry, it can look good for years, while daily wear with sweat and perfume wears the plating faster.

Is heavier Kundan jewellery better?

Not always. Weight often means a sturdier metal frame, but a very heavy set is tiring to wear for a long ceremony, so balance sturdiness with comfort.

Can I return Kundan jewellery if I change my mind?

No. Sirini offers a 7-day exchange only for items that arrive defective, damaged or wrong. Shipping is a flat Rs 379 within India, and cash on delivery is available.

Where can I see the price ranges?

Browse the Kundan collection and the price pages above, which list every piece with its price.