Shop for South Indian jewellery and three words come up constantly: kemp, kundan and antique. One is a stone, one is a setting technique, one is a finish - and knowing the difference makes choosing a set much easier.
Kemp refers to the deep red and green stones seen in classical temple jewellery. The rich red is the colour of Bharatanatyam and bridal sets across Tamil Nadu. On our terracotta pieces, kemp-style stones are set by hand into the fired clay, one at a time - the unmistakable temple look without the weight of metal.
Kundan is a setting technique from North India - stones layered into a gold foil bed, polished flush. In terracotta work, kundan style means smooth, flush-set stones with clean gold borders painted around them. It reads brighter and more formal, and suits silk sarees and receptions beautifully.
Antique is a finish, not a stone. Muted, burnished gold tones, as if the piece has aged gracefully for a generation. Our antique-gold sets use matte metallic paint with darker shading in the grooves, so carved details catch the light like old temple jewellery.
Which to choose? Kemp for temple-style occasions, kundan for weddings and silks, antique for everyday elegance that pairs with almost any saree. And because every piece is clay, even the grandest haaram stays light on the neck all day.