Pachi Kundan vs Kundan-Style Imitation Jewellery: What Is the Difference?

Pachi kundan is a Kundan-technique jewellery style that is usually made with uncut precious or semi-precious stones set in gold foil, so it is normally fine jewellery. Kundan-style imitation jewellery copies the same look with glass or coloured stones over a gold-plated base. Sirini makes only the second kind: gold-plated brass or copper with hand-set glass and coloured stones. This guide explains the difference so you know what a listing means.

What pachi kundan means

Pachi kundan (also spelt pachchi kundan) is a style within the Jadau family of crafts, where stones are held in place with foil and a gold setting instead of prongs. In pachi kundan the stones are usually uncut gems, and the price reflects the gold and stones used. If a seller calls a piece pachi kundan, ask what the stones and metal are.

What Kundan-style imitation jewellery is

Kundan-style imitation jewellery uses the same flat, foil-backed look, but with glass or coloured stones set into a gold-plated brass or copper base. It gives the layered, jewel-toned bridal look at a much lower price, and it is not made of gold or precious stones. Sirini says this on every product page.

How to tell what you are buying

• Metal: solid gold or silver is fine jewellery; brass or copper with plating is imitation.
• Stones: uncut precious stones, glass or coloured stones. A price far below the gold rate means it is not solid gold.
• Wording: words such as gold-plated, imitation or fashion jewellery describe the second kind. Sellers of fine jewellery normally state purity and give a hallmark.
• Care: plated jewellery should be kept away from water, sweat and perfume. See our care guide.

Where Sirini fits

Sirini is a Mumbai maker of gold-plated imitation jewellery in Kundan, Meenakari and Polki styles. We do not sell real gold, diamonds or pachi kundan in precious stones. Browse Kundan jewellery, Polki-style jewellery or bridal jewellery. For the wider picture, read the complete guide to Kundan jewellery, Meenakari, Kundan and Polki explained and real gold or imitation for your wedding. Unfamiliar words are in the jewellery glossary.

Pieces to look at

To see Kundan-style imitation work on real listings, look at the photographs of the Sirini Kundan Hathphool at Rs 6,720, the Bridal Kundan Choker Set at Rs 7,520 and the Sirini Kundan Rani Haar at Rs 16,000. All three are gold-plated imitation jewellery with glass and coloured stones, not pachi kundan. Prices were read from the live catalogue on 4 October 2026 and can change.

Common questions

What is pachi kundan?

Pachi kundan is a Kundan-technique style that is usually made with uncut precious or semi-precious stones set in gold foil, so it is normally fine jewellery.

Is pachi kundan the same as Kundan?

Both use the same setting technique. Pachi kundan usually refers to the version with uncut gems, while Kundan-style imitation uses glass or coloured stones.

Is Sirini jewellery pachi kundan?

No. Sirini jewellery is gold-plated imitation jewellery in the Kundan style, with glass and coloured stones over brass or copper.

Is Kundan-style imitation jewellery real gold?

No. It is plated, not solid gold, which is why it costs much less. Sirini shows the materials on each product page.

Can imitation Kundan jewellery look like the real thing?

Yes, the look is very close, especially in photos and at weddings. The difference is in the materials, weight, resale value and how long the plating lasts.

How can I tell if a piece is fine jewellery or Kundan-style imitation?

Check the metal, the wording and the price. Fine jewellery states gold purity and is hallmarked, while words such as gold-plated, imitation or fashion jewellery mean a plated brass or copper piece. A price far below the gold rate means it is not solid gold.