Pure Pearls Glossary
Polki
An uncut, unfaceted natural diamond, set face-up in kundan. Glows softly rather than sparkling.
Polki is a diamond in its natural crystal form, cleaved and polished only enough to give a flat face. There are no brilliant facets.
Because there is no faceting to bounce light back, polki is traditionally set over a silver or foil backing that reflects light through the stone.
The look is warm and diffused, which is why polki reads as heritage jewellery while a brilliant-cut diamond reads as modern.
When you are buying
Polki is a real diamond and is priced accordingly. Confirm whether a piece uses polki, moissanite or cubic zirconia before comparing prices, because all three are set the same way and look similar in photographs.
Polki pearl sets
18 pieces in the collection right now, from ₹3,750.
Glamorous Polki Chandbali Hook Earrings Featuring White Pearl Droplets
Regal White Pearls Bracelet With Traditional Polki Clasp
Exquisite White Pearls Kada With Polki Clasp
Traditional White Pearls 8 Inch Bracelet With Polki Clasp
Traditional Indian Polki Style - Pearl Set in Emerald Pendant Set
Radiant White Pearls Necklace With Golden Polki Pendant
Elegant White Semi-round Pearl Choker With Polki Pendant
Pearl Necklace Set in Traditional Polki Pendant Set
Read next
Kundan
A setting technique where highly refined gold foil is pressed around stones to hold them, with no prongs or claws.
Cubic Zirconia
A hard, brilliant lab-made stone used as a diamond substitute. Called American diamond throughout the Indian trade.
Pachi
A kundan variant where stones are set into a lac-filled frame, giving a slightly raised, textured surface.
Meenakari
Coloured enamel fused into engraved metal, most often on the reverse of kundan jewellery.
Not sure what you are being sold?
Paste any pearl description — another shop’s listing, a message from a jeweller, an old certificate — and we will break it down term by term.