Caring for kundan, polki & gold-plated jewellery
Handcrafted kundan and polki are set by hand, glass-clear stones cradled in fine gold foil, often backed with painted meenakari. Looked after gently, these pieces hold their warmth for years and pass quietly from mother to daughter. The care is simple, almost old-fashioned: keep moisture, friction and harsh chemicals away, and your jewellery rewards you. If you are still deciding between styles, our guide on kundan vs polki explains what each one is; here we focus on keeping yours luminous.
How to clean it (gently does everything)
For kundan, polki and meenakari, less is always more. After wearing, wipe each piece with a soft, dry cloth, a clean cotton or microfibre square, to lift away skin oils and traces of makeup. Follow the gold and let the cloth glide; never scrub. Avoid water, jewellery dips, ultrasonic cleaners and chemical polishes: the uncut stones are held by delicate gold foil and natural lac, and moisture or solvents can cloud a stone or loosen a setting. For meenakari enamel, the same soft, dry touch keeps the colours bright. If a piece looks dull, a longer, patient wipe usually restores the glow, no liquids needed. When in doubt, do less and ask us before trying anything stronger.
How to store it (apart, soft and dry)
Moisture and friction are the two quiet enemies. Store each piece in its own soft pouch or a lined box compartment so stones and gold do not rub against one another, scratches and tangles happen in crowded drawers. Keep your jewellery somewhere dry and away from humidity: not the bathroom, not a sunny windowsill, not next to perfume bottles. A small silica-gel sachet tucked into the box helps in damp climates. Lay necklaces flat rather than hanging long strands, which can stress the threading over time. Tarnish on gold-plated pieces is mostly slowed by good storage, dry, dark and separate keeps the finish looking fresh between occasions and saves you cleaning later.
How to wear it (last on, first off)
A simple habit protects your jewellery more than any polish. Put it on last, after your perfume, hairspray, lotion and makeup have fully settled, so the gold and stones never meet those chemicals directly. Then take it off first: before washing your hands, showering, swimming, exercising or sleeping. Water, soap, chlorine and the friction of a pillow are exactly what wears a finish down. Bridal sets deserve extra care on the big day, dress, then jewels last of all. Treated this way, gold-plated pieces keep their shine far longer, and an heirloom kundan set stays ready for the next celebration, and the next generation.
Gold-plated finishes and sensitive skin
A reassuring word on finish: gold-plating gives you that rich, warm golden glow on handcrafted pieces. Worn with the habits above, kept off in water, on after perfume, stored dry, the colour holds beautifully for a long time. If your skin is sensitive, our made-to-order approach helps: tell Sajida before you order and she can guide you on finishes and posts that sit comfortably. Plating naturally mellows with a lifetime of love, and it can often be refreshed. Browse the collection or the gold-tone pieces at the Gold Edit, and see bridal sets at bridal jewellery.
Questions, answered
Can I clean kundan jewellery with water or jewellery cleaner?
No. Water, liquid dips and ultrasonic cleaners can cloud the uncut stones or loosen their gold-foil and lac settings. A soft, dry cotton or microfibre cloth is all kundan, polki and meenakari need. Wipe gently along the gold after each wear. If a piece still looks dull, ask Sajida before trying anything stronger.
How do I stop gold-plated jewellery from tarnishing?
Mostly through wear and storage habits. Put pieces on last (after perfume and makeup) and take them off before washing, swimming or sleeping, so the finish never meets water or chemicals. Store each piece separately in a soft pouch, somewhere dry and dark. Treated this way, the warm golden finish stays bright for a long time.
Is gold-plated jewellery suitable for sensitive skin?
Often, yes, especially when worn well and kept dry. Because our pieces are handcrafted and made to order, you can tell Sajida about sensitivities before ordering, and she will guide you on finishes and earring posts that sit comfortably. Avoiding moisture and removing pieces before washing also helps keep skin and jewellery happy.
Will handcrafted kundan really last for generations?
Handled gently, yes. Kundan and polki have been passed down for centuries precisely because the materials are forgiving when respected. Keep moisture, friction and chemicals away, store each piece apart, and wipe with a dry cloth, and a bridal set bought today can become an heirloom your daughter wears at her own wedding.