Kundan mehandi: what it is and when to choose it

Kundan mehandi is one of the newest ways to dress the hands for a wedding. It borrows its look from jewellery, and it is easy to combine with henna.

What it is

Kundan mehandi sets stones, pearls and crystals on the hand. It can stand on its own, as a lattice, a bracelet or a ring-and-chain, or sit on top of henna linework. From a distance it reads like mehndi. Up close it glitters. The name comes from kundan, a traditional style of Indian jewellery in which stones are set in gold.

Popular designs

• Kundan jaal: a fine lattice of stones across the back of the hand, like a net.
• Wrist band: a band of stones and pearls around the wrist, so the design doubles as a bracelet.
• Ring and chain: a stone ring at one knuckle, linked to the wrist by thin chains of stones.
• Fingertip accents: single stones placed along henna lines on the fingers.

Kundan with henna

Many brides choose a henna design with Kundan accents. The henna carries the pattern, and the stones add shine where the camera lingers most: the wrist, the knuckles and the fingers.

When it suits you

• For a sangeet, an engagement shoot or a cocktail night, where a little sparkle fits the mood.
• When you want a modern touch on top of traditional henna.
• When you want your hands to match your jewellery. Gold-toned and silver-toned stones sit differently against different outfits.

Before you book

• Share your outfit colours and the jewellery you will wear, so the stones match.
• Ask how long the stones last and how to care for them and take them off.
• Ask when to apply them in relation to your henna and your ceremony.

See more in the Kundan gallery, or read how to choose a design for your outfit.