Kundan is the setting of gemstones in a frame of pure, highly refined gold foil, pressed around the stone without claws; meenakari is the enamelling of the reverse of the same piece in red, green, white and blue. The two crafts came from the Mughal court and settled in Jaipur with the Kachwaha patronage; the city’s enamellers, the Meenakars, are still the best known in India.
A kundan-meena piece is made by a chain of hands: the goldsmith, the engraver, the enameller, the stone-setter, each in a separate workshop in the lanes off Johari Bazaar. Polki uses uncut diamonds in the same setting; thewa, the gold-on-glass work, is a Pratapgarh craft sold here.
Where the trade is
| Name | Where | What it is known for |
|---|---|---|
| Johari Bazaar jewellers | Johari Bazaar | Finished kundan-meena sets. |
| Meenakari workshops | Lanes off Johari Bazaar | The enamellers; some show the work. |
| Polki | Same houses | Uncut diamonds in kundan setting. |
| Thewa | Emporia and jewellers | Gold on glass; from Pratapgarh, sold in Jaipur. |
| Bridal sets | Johari Bazaar | The wedding trade; the big sets are made to order. |
Worth knowing
- Turn the piece over; the meena on the back is the mark of the Jaipur work.
- Made to order takes weeks; bring a design or choose from the house.
- Hallmark on the gold, and a bill naming the stones.
Named houses on this page
Surana Jewellers of Jaipur
Kundan, meena, polki and diamond jewellery · Johari Bazaar
The Gem Palace
Antique, kundan-polki and gemstone jewellery · Johari Bazaar
Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers
Polki, kundan and bridal gemstone jewellery · Johari Bazaar
Raniwala 1881
Jadau, polki, meenakari and gemstone jewellery · Johari Bazaar
Golecha’s Jewels
Kundan, polki and bridal fine jewellery · Johari Bazaar
Lashkari Jewellers
Kundan-meena, gold and precious-stone jewellery · Johari Bazaar
Suhag Jewellers
Polki, raw kundan and heavy bridal neckpieces made in its own workshop · 1270 Khowalon ka Chowk, Gopalji ka Rasta, Johari Bazaar, Jaipur 302003
Satyam Jewellery Manufacturer
Kundan-meena jewellery and earrings in wholesale lots · Chamber Shop No. 7, opposite Diamond Plaza, Gopalji ka Rasta, Johari Bazaar, Jaipur
Royal Meenakari
Kundan, meenakari and jadau work, including heritage reproductions · 360 Gopalji ka Rasta, opposite Poddar Misthan Bhandar, Johari Bazaar, Jaipur 302003
Shree Shyam Baba Jewellers
Hand-made bridal jadau sets and kundan kadas; maker and exporter · Shop No. 206, Main Johari Bazaar Road, near Agrasen Market, Badi Chaupar, Jaipur 302003
Naakoda Gems and Jewellery
22-carat kundan-meena and polki necklaces from its own workshop · 2310 Ghee Walon ka Rasta, near Ratna Sagar, Johari Bazaar, Jaipur 302003
Mahi Jewellers
Kundan-meena necklace sets at maker prices · Shop No. 141, Main Johari Bazaar, near MK Lassi Wala, Jaipur 302003
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A note on this page. This is an independent reference page compiled from published information, current as of 2026. WelcomeToJaipur.in is not connected to any shop, restaurant or institution named here, takes no commission and does not rank or endorse. Check addresses and hours before you travel.
Names and trademarks belong to their respective owners.
See also: Jewellery Workshops and Karigars of Jaipur — where the city’s jewellery is made.