The Art of Kundan & Meenakari: Reviving Heritage Through Modern Craft

In a quiet by-lane of Jaipur, the sound of a small hammer meeting metal echoes softly. At a low workbench, an artisan holds his breath as he presses thin gold foil behind a stone—steady, exact, reverent. This is the world of Kundan jewellery, where beauty is not manufactured but meticulously brought to life.

Centuries ago, in the ornate courts of the Mughals, Kundan work emerged as a refined art form. Known for its intricate setting of uncut stones and its luminous finish, it became a hallmark of Indian royal adornment. Around the same time, another delicate technique flourished—Meenakari, the art of fusing vibrant enamel onto engraved metal, brought from Persia and perfected in the ateliers of Jaipur and Varanasi.

Together, Kundan and Meenakari became the language of timeless beauty. While Kundan sparkled from the front, Meenakari whispered colour and detail on the reverse. Every piece was a miniature sculpture—crafted slowly, lovingly, and meant to last generations.

As time moved forward and trends evolved, these rich traditions faced the threat of fading away.

That’s where SONM steps in— a mindful curator of this heritage.

At SONM, we seek out and collaborate with master artisans and workshops across India who have preserved these ancient skills through generations. By curating limited-edition pieces that bring together traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern design, SONM offers a fresh take on heritage jewellery. Think sculptural chokers, enamel-detailed bangles, and elegant mathapattis that can be worn beyond the wedding day—into your everyday life.

Each piece in the collection is handcrafted, gold-plated, and created with intention. From the meenakar (enameller) to the jadayi expert (stone setter), every artisan contributes their part to a legacy steeped in culture and creativity.

SONM doesn’t aim to replicate museum pieces. Instead, it thoughtfully curates designs that blend the richness of Kundan and Meenakari jewellery with the needs and aesthetics of the modern woman. These pieces are not just about tradition—they're about transformation.

They're meant to be worn with linen shirts or silk sarees, at art galleries or family celebrations.

This is jewellery that celebrates identity—anchored in craft, but free in expression.

So yes, the enamel still gleams. The stones still sit proudly in their foil-backed beds. And the artisans who once crafted for queens now share their artistry with a new generation—through SONM.

Because with SONM, you don’t just wear jewellery. You wear a story—of India, of artistry, and of timeless beauty, curated for the present moment.