Kundan Zari, Zardozi, Metallic Thread Embroidery of Rajasthan

Zari or Zardozi refers to a style of embroidery that uses thread made of gold or silver. The word Kundan means highly refined gold. It also refers to the practice of setting precious stones with bands of highly purified soft gold in jewellery. Using this practice with Zardozi embroidery on fabric is known as Kundan Zari. 

Introduced by Mughals, the practice of Kundan Zari became popular in Rajasthan and Gujarat. While the practice originally used the purest gold and gemstones, today most works have semi-precious stones and pearls to make the art more affordable. There has also been a recent shift to use silver instead of gold. This style of embroidery can be found in a variety of traditional Indian attire, especially saris and lehengas.