Natural Uncut Diamonds, Polki and Lab-Grown Diamonds: What's the Difference?
The four terms you'll hear
| Term | What it is | Natural or lab-made? | Where you'll see it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural uncut diamond / polki | A mined diamond, cut flat with minimal faceting, so it shows a soft, glassy glow rather than sparkle | Natural | Bridal and traditional pieces; Kumud's Navratna necklaces and gents' malas |
| Natural cut (brilliant) diamond | A mined diamond cut with many facets for maximum sparkle | Natural | Solitaires, rings, earrings |
| Lab-grown diamond | Diamond made in a laboratory. It has the same material and hardness as mined diamond | Lab-made | Modern, affordable designs. At Kumud, product names say "Lab-Grown Diamond" |
| Kundan | A setting technique: stones fixed with fine layers of gold foil. The stones may be diamonds, polki, gemstones or glass | Depends on the stone | Traditional bridal sets |
Natural uncut diamonds (polki)
Polki diamonds are natural diamonds that keep much of their original rough shape and are cut flat. They don't sparkle like brilliant-cut diamonds, but they have a soft, warm glow that suits traditional Indian designs. Each one is unique. Our Navratna necklaces and gents' Navratna malas are set with natural uncut diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory under conditions that recreate how diamonds form. They are real diamond material, not imitations like cubic zirconia, and are visually identical to mined diamonds. They cost much less, which makes larger or more elaborate designs affordable. However, their resale and exchange value is lower than that of natural diamonds. Kumud always labels lab-grown diamonds in the product name, for example "Lab-Grown Diamond Bangle in 22K Yellow Gold – 0.06 Ct, 30 Diamonds".
How the choice affects exchange and buy-back at Kumud
Under our Return, Exchange & Buy-back Policy (sections 10–11):
| Jewellery type | Lifetime exchange value | Lifetime buy-back |
|---|---|---|
| Natural diamond jewellery | 100% of metal value + 90% of the diamond's discounted value | Exchange value minus an additional 10% |
| Lab-grown diamond jewellery | 100% of metal value + 90% of the lab-grown diamond value (as determined by Kumud) | Metal value only. Lab-grown diamonds aren't eligible for buy-back (exchange only) |
Exchange values are calculated on the day's metal rates. See the full Return, Exchange & Buy-back Policy.
How to choose
- For an heirloom, or traditional value that holds: natural diamonds, including natural uncut diamonds (polki).
- For a bigger look on a smaller budget: lab-grown diamonds, knowing that resale value is lower.
- Either way: ask the seller to state the diamond type in writing on the product page and the invoice.
Frequently asked questions
Are uncut diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Uncut diamonds (polki) are natural, mined diamonds that are cut flat with minimal faceting, rather than as sparkling brilliants.
Is a lab-grown diamond a real diamond?
Yes. A lab-grown diamond has the same material and hardness as a mined diamond, but it is made in a laboratory. It should always be labelled as lab-grown.
Is kundan the same as polki?
No. Kundan is a setting technique that uses gold foil, while polki refers to natural uncut diamonds. A kundan piece may use polki, other gemstones or glass.
Do lab-grown diamonds have resale value?
Usually much less than natural diamonds. At Kumud, lab-grown diamond jewellery can be exchanged but isn't eligible for buy-back of the diamonds.
What diamonds are used in Kumud's Navratna jewellery?
Our Navratna necklaces and gents' Navratna malas are set with natural uncut diamonds.
See our Navratna collection with natural uncut diamonds, or diamond bangles with lab-grown diamonds.