Preloved Asian Jewellery

Usually not, and that is normal rather than a warning sign. The overwhelming majority of Indian and Pakistani bridal jewellery is gold-plated brass or artificial (imitation) work, because the traditional bridal look uses pieces far larger than anyone would commission in solid gold. Real gold and solid silver pieces do appear on the site and sellers price them accordingly. If a listing does not say, ask directly, and treat anything heavily discounted but described as solid gold with caution.

Polki uses uncut, unfaceted natural diamonds set in gold. Kundan is the setting technique itself, where stones (usually glass or synthetic in artificial pieces) are held in place with refined gold foil. In practice, on a preloved marketplace, most pieces described as either are artificial recreations of the look. Polki-style pieces tend to have a softer, milkier sparkle; kundan-style ones a flatter, more mirror-like face.

Artificial earrings and single pieces typically sell between £10 and £40. A matching necklace-and-earring set usually lands between £30 and £90. A full bridal set with tikka and matha patti generally sits between £70 and £250 depending on size, condition and whether it is a recognised label. Anything in real gold or silver is priced against its metal weight and sits well above these ranges.

Necklaces are the easiest — most have an adjustable back-thread, and a jeweller can shorten or extend a chain cheaply. Bangles are the hardest, because Asian bangles are usually a fixed size with no join, so buy by measurement rather than by a size label. Missing stones can often be replaced by any high-street jeweller for a few pounds, which makes a slightly damaged set worth considering if the price reflects it.

Measure across the widest part of your hand with the thumb tucked in, in centimetres, then match that to the internal diameter the seller gives. UK sellers usually quote the Indian sizing scale (2.4, 2.6, 2.8 and so on), which is the internal diameter in inches. If the listing does not state a size, ask for the internal diameter measured across the inside of the bangle rather than the outside.

Listing is free. Photograph pieces on a plain dark surface rather than in the box, since box linings blow out the exposure and hide detail, and include one shot of the reverse so buyers can see the plating and clasps. Say clearly what the set contains and whether anything is missing. Sets sell considerably faster than single pieces, so keep a set together rather than splitting it.