Crafting a Kundan necklace requires skill and perseverance. The laborious crafting starts with preparing the framework, filling it with wax, and digging out portions to place the gemstones. Once the Kundan stones are affixed, they go to a Meenakar for enamelling the design. Once done, thin gold foils hold the gemstones into the framework. Finally, the entire necklace is polished. The process is painstaking and time-consuming. Depending on the fine detailing in the design, finishing a single Kundan necklace may take up to even six months.

Over the years, precious gems began to be replaced by vibrant pieces of colourful glass in yellows, whites, purples, reds and rani pinks. Nowadays, you can even find Kundan neckpieces studded with rhinestones. Traditionally, though they are crafted from pure gold, innovations in Kundan offer several cheaper options in silver, brass and copper alloy with gold plating. Further, with the advent of imitation jewellery, Kundan necklaces, Kundan earrings, Kundan bangles and Kundan rings have become more lightweight and accessible, gaining a predominant place in the Indian women's jewellery box.

Kundan necklace designs are timeless. Kundan necklaces also come with beads and adjustable threads that make it easy to adjust the neckpieces. Today, Indian jewellers have modified traditional Kundan necklaces to give them an Indo-Western fusion look. Their sheer opulence continues to wow women.

Kundan necklaces continue to hold historical and cultural significance. Today, women around the world desire to own a traditional Kundan necklace. Considered the oldest form of jewellery in India, the necklaces have gemstones, vibrant colouring, and intricate motifs or patterns. Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphire, tourmaline, topaz and jade are some of the precious and semi-precious types of Kundan stones used in Kundan necklaces. Other Kundan rhinestones come in shades of green, magenta, maroon, cream, red, silver, gold and black. Kundan necklaces have no predetermined or specific motifs but are inspired by nature and architecture. The necklaces have beautiful shapes of flowers like the lotus, tulip, or carnation. They also have animals, fish, worship symbols, dome and geometric shapes.

Today, there are different types of Kundan necklaces available in the market. They can be in pure gold or other cheaper metals. Here are some forms of Kundan necklaces with their distinctive quality or style: 

The Polki Kundan necklace uses uncut diamonds called polki. The necklace may have polki or polki mixed with emeralds, rubies and sapphires. Though traditionally made from 24k gold, they are also available in gold-plated silver and imitation.

Jadau Kundan necklace, made by Karigaars from Rajasthan, has stones set in gold and then embedded into a molten substrate. 

Minakari Kundan necklace has exquisite enamelling, bringing out the brilliance of the gold and stones used in the Kundan setting. 

Thewa Kundan necklace uses gold-embossed glass technique instead of precious stones.  

The Antique Kundan necklace features filigree work with an oxidised finish.

All these types of Kundan necklaces can come in varied sizes, from a high choker to a much longer neck ornament falling on/below the chest.

Besides the different forms or styles of Kundan necklaces, there are a few elements to look out for in a traditional Kundan necklace. The first one is the base metal. Kundan necklaces made from pure gold are heavy. Secondly, traditional Kundan necklaces use uncut precious gemstones like diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires. Another integral element in a Kundan necklace is the intricate and vibrant Meenakari work done on it. Also, Kundan necklaces have adjustable closures with hooks and kadis or beadwork that is easy to customise. Kundan necklaces often contain dangling pearls or beads to add movement and grace. Lastly, every Kundan necklace has gemstones, rhinestones or glass held in place by a thin foil.

The regal Kundan necklace was worn by royalty of the most powerful kingdoms and states. As this timeless jewel found its way into the bridal essentials of wealthy women, it garnered attention. Soon after, as the metals, gemstones and processes underwent changes and innovations, the regal Kundan necklace, without losing the essence of the original design, became accessible to women across India. Today, though Jaipur remains the capital of Jadau or Kundan jewellery, beautiful Kundan necklaces are available online. They appear rich and sophisticated and are perfect for completing any look.

An authentic Kundan necklace design enhances any outfit. It is so versatile that it looks majestic both in Indian traditional wear and in Western-style clothing. You can wear a Kundan necklace to any occasion, from a big fat Indian wedding to a birthday bash. 

A heavy Kundan necklace is the perfect choice for an Indian bride. It is more than just a fashion accessory. A bride wears a Kundan necklace to symbolise culture, tradition and wealth. Also, an heirloom Kundan necklace reminds the bride of her ancestors, so she wears it as a blessing from them. Wedding guests often dress in traditional Kundan necklaces with matching earrings and bangles. Kundan necklaces are a favourite at Indian festivals. The elaborate designs, vibrant colour combinations and precious gemstones add to the festive look. Today, Kundan necklaces are available in costly pure gold to the more affordable white bronze with gold plating.

Bollywood-themed parties are the perfect place to wear a contemporary Kundan necklace. With a choice of colours and style, you can pair them with heavily embroidered lehengas and salwars or even fusion wear for a bit of funk.

Be it a birthday party, an anniversary celebration, or a family get-together, a statement Kundan necklace accessorised correctly can strike the right balance between sophistication and style. An antique Kundan necklace can be paired beautifully with Indian wear, Western wear, and Indo-fusion to add glamour.