Gold Diamond Stack Bangle

We know how hard it might be to keep up with all the terms and lingo so we thought we'd put together this handy guide that helps explain most Indian Jewelry techniques and designs terminology.

Kundan - Gemstones set on gold. Kundan is a style that consists of placing gold foil between stones and their mountings to result in a stone set without prongs.This is one of the most common and famous types of Indian Jewelry. This style is synonymous with uncut diamond or glass stones.

Meenakari- Meenakari jewelry refers to the enamel or painting of a metal surface of jewelry. 

Jadau- Usually a combination of Kundan or Polki style set with a meenakari backside. This is some of the most intricate and traditional Indian styles.

Pachichikam- Kundan, but set in silver.

Thewa- Jewelry made to look like art. The design will typically have a gold sheet cut out over a colored enamel surface to show a figure or design in the absent space.

Polki - Usually used to describe fine jewelry. This term is often used synonomously with Kundan jewelry. The styles are often confused with one another.

Temple- Jewelry in an antique or oxidized finish, many times with a portrait or pendant of an Indian God or Goddess.

Tikka- A pendant or charm clipped to the hair that hangs on the forehead.

Naath- A nose ring

Panja- A hand chain

Payal- An anklet

Kada Bracelet- A single bracelet sometimes called a bangle

Juda or Chudle Bangles-  A stack of bangles put together to create one seamless bangle style. Often worn on both hands.

There is no one surefire trick to keeping your fashion jewelry (aka imitation jewelry or costume jewelry) looking like new for years to come. But we thought we would provide some of the tips and tricks that we have come across from our experience.

• Keep your jewelry away from liquids. Namely, try to keep your jewelry away from water, soaps, perfumes, lotions or other harsh chemicals.
• As a general rule of thumb, when getting ready, try to make your jewelry the last item you put on and the first item you take off when you get home from your fancy night out.
• Store your jewelry in a dry and secure place. It is best not to leave fashion jewelry out in the open or in places that may get easily damaged. Try to put jewelry in individual bags or boxes to avoid contact with other jewelry and air. Sandwich size ziploc bags make for great storage as well.

While you can't expect fashion pieces to last forever, these few tips will certainly help keep them good for many years to come.