Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you might want to know about ZARIAH pieces and South Asian jewellery in general, from what our sets are made of to how to keep them looking new. If your question is not here, reach out through our contact page and we will help.

About ZARIAH pieces

Are ZARIAH pieces solid gold or real Polki?

No, and we want to be clear about that. ZARIAH works in the handcrafted kundan-style tradition, finished in gold plating over a base metal, with carefully set stones rather than mined Polki or real diamond. That is a deliberate choice. It means you can wear a beautiful, complete set to every function of a wedding season without carrying solid-gold value on your body, and it keeps a full coordinated look within reach of a normal budget. Real solid-gold and Polki pieces sit in a different price tier entirely.

What is the difference between Kundan, Polki, Jadau and Meenakari?

They get used interchangeably, but they are different things. Polki is uncut, unfaceted natural diamond set into gold in its raw state, which gives it a soft, milky glow and a high price. Kundan is a technique rather than a stone: refined gold foil is worked around a stone, traditionally glass or polished semi-precious stones, and pressed into a lac (natural resin) base, which creates that bright, framed look at a fraction of Polki's cost. Jadau is the setting method, the art of embedding stones into softened gold, and both Polki and Kundan can be made using it. Meenakari is the colourful enamel work often applied to the back of a piece. ZARIAH pieces are made in the kundan style.

Is American Diamond the same as cubic zirconia?

Yes. American Diamond and cubic zirconia are two names for the same man-made stone. American Diamond is simply how it is marketed across South Asia.

Does Polki contain real diamonds?

It does. Polki is uncut natural diamond in its raw form, set in gold, which is why a real Polki set costs significantly more than Kundan or American Diamond. ZARIAH does not sell real Polki; our pieces are kundan-style imitation, made to capture that heritage look.

Which type lasts the longest?

Solid-gold Polki endures for generations. A well-made kundan-style or AAA-grade American Diamond piece with thick plating will hold its finish for years, as long as you store it carefully and keep it dry. Cheap plating and low-grade stones are what fade and cloud quickly, so quality of make matters more than category.

Full sets and jewellery types

Does a full set always include a maang tikka?

Not always. The reliable core of a set is a matching necklace and earrings. The South Asian tradition usually adds a maang tikka, and most bridal and festive sets include it, but lighter or more modern sets sometimes stop at necklace and earrings.

How many pieces are in a bridal full set?

It varies. A standard full set is three pieces: necklace, earrings and tikka. A heavier bridal suite can add a jhoomar, passa, nath, haath phool and bangles, running to seven or eight matching pieces for the main event.

Is a full set better value than buying pieces separately?

Usually, yes. A matched set is typically cheaper than buying each piece individually, and it removes the hard part: getting separate purchases to agree on stone colour, gold tone and scale, which is more obvious in photographs than people expect.

What do the different jewellery names mean?

A quick glossary. A jhumka is the dome or bell-shaped drop earring. A maang tikka is the forehead ornament with a chain that sits along the centre parting and a jewel resting on the forehead. A matha patti extends that with horizontal chains along the hairline. A jhoomar (or passa) is the fan-shaped piece pinned to one side of the head. A rani haar is the long, layered "queen's necklace" that falls to the chest or lower. A satlada is a seven-strand necklace. A haath phool is the hand piece that links a ring to a bracelet across the back of the hand.

Trends and styling

What is the biggest bridal jewellery trend right now?

The oversized choker. Wide, structured collars worn high on the neck are anchoring bridal looks, often layered over a longer rani haar so the neckline is filled from collar to chest.

Are red and green kundan sets out of style?

Not out, but no longer the only option. Pastel stones (mint, blush, powder blue, lilac) and deep emerald green have taken the lead lately, especially against the pastel and ivory outfits that have become popular for receptions.

How do I get a celebrity-inspired bridal look on a budget?

Start with one strong choker in a kundan style, add a single emerald or pastel accent, and keep everything else light. That is the silhouette most of these looks are built on, and on camera a well-made imitation set reads much the same as the original for a fraction of the cost.

Care and longevity

Can I wear my jewellery in the shower, swimming or in water?

No. Kundan-style and gold-plated pieces should be kept dry. Water can soften the lac base behind the stones and loosen them, and moisture speeds up tarnishing of the plating. Take your jewellery off before showering, swimming, washing your hands or any water-based activity.

How do I clean kundan and gold-plated jewellery at home?

Dry clean only. Wipe the metal gently with a soft, lint-free cloth, and use a dry cotton swab to reach around individual stones. Do not soak kundan or stone-set pieces in water or dip them in cleaning solutions, as this is what dislodges stones and dulls the finish.

How do I store it so it does not tarnish?

Keep each piece in an airtight pouch or an anti-tarnish bag, ideally with a small silica gel packet to absorb moisture, and store the pieces separately so stones do not scratch each other. Avoid the bathroom, since humidity is the fastest way to dull plating.

How do I keep the gold plating from fading?

Put your jewellery on last, after perfume, lotion and makeup, so it does not sit in those chemicals. Wipe each piece down after wear to remove skin oils, keep it dry, and store it well. Treated this way, a good plated set will look new across an entire wedding season and beyond.

Skin and comfort

Is imitation jewellery safe for sensitive skin?

For most people, yes, especially worn for events rather than around the clock. Be aware that nickel is the most common cause of skin reactions to fashion jewellery, so if you know you are nickel-sensitive, keep pieces dry (sweat and moisture worsen reactions), limit very long continuous wear, and remove anything that causes irritation. If you have a known metal allergy, patch-test a small area first.

Still have a question? Head to our contact page and the ZARIAH team will be glad to help.