Thappa vs Polki Jewellery: The Real Fraud Exposed – Buyer Guide, & How to Avoid Fake Polki Jewellery

When it comes to bridal jewellery, not all that glitters is gold. The rise of Thappa Polki (also called foil Polki jewellery) has created confusion—and sometimes heartbreak—for buyers who think they’re getting authentic polki jewellery but end up with clever wax jewellery.

Many buyers of Indian bridal jewellery are misled by fake Polki pieces sold across India—especially in Bikaner, the hub of authentic Polki Jewellery craftsmanship. This expert guide exposes the fraud behind foil Polki Jewellery and helps you spot and avoid fake Polki jewellery so you can invest in authentic beauty.

What is Thappa Polki Jewellery?

Thappa Polki is a mass-produced imitation look-alike of real Polki jewellery. Instead of solid gold and high-quality uncut diamonds, it’s made by:

• A base of silver, non-gold, or wax is crafted into the shape of traditional jewellery.

• A thin gold foil is pasted over the non-gold base, mimicking the appearance of real gold.

• Very poor and commercial quality of uncut diamonds are used in the name of syndicate polki.

• The final result looks like authentic Polki jewellery but is actually just a gold-coated piece. The gold layer is so thin that it can often be peeled off with a fingernail.

• These pieces are sometimes falsely marketed as "22KT syndicate hallmark" jewellery, misleading buyers into thinking they’re purchasing high-value items.

Pasting a thin layer of gold foil over non gold base to create thappa polki jewellery

Fraud Alert: Thappa jewellery is often sold at a fraction of the price of real Polki, tricking buyers with technical hallmarks and fake value. Don’t be fooled by cheap price tags or “hallmark” labels!

What Makes Real Polki Jewellery Different?

Real Polki jewellery, as crafted by Devendra Jewellers in Bikaner, Rajasthan, is:

• Crafted with a solid gold base (14KT to 22KT), not a non-gold base.

• Features high-quality uncut diamonds (Polki), set using centuries-old techniques by skilled artisans.

• No shortcuts, no mixed metals, and 100% gold weight transparency.

• Each piece is handcrafted to order, ensuring unmatched quality and heritage.

• Certified for gold and diamond authenticity (IGI/EGL/BIS)

Creation of real polki jewellery in a solid gold base

Why Does the Difference Matter?

• Value: Thappa Polki pieces have little resale or intrinsic value. Real Polki jewellery is an investment, holding value over generations.

• Durability: Foil-based jewellery is fragile and may tarnish or break easily. Solid gold Polki pieces last a lifetime and beyond.

• Authenticity: Real Polki is a symbol of heritage and artistry, not a shortcut or imitation.

• Transparency: At Devendra Jewellers, every order comes with certified gold weight breakdowns and authenticity certificates—no hidden tricks.

How to Spot the Difference

• Check for certifications (IGI/EGL/BIS) and gold weight details.

• Look for signs of foil or peeling on the jewellery’s surface.

• Be wary of unusually low prices for large bridal sets.

• Ask the jeweller for a breakdown of gold weight and a video consultation to inspect the piece closely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is Thappa Polki real gold?

A: No, it’s a silver or non-gold base with a thin 22kt gold foil. The foil is real gold, but the jewellery is not solid gold.

Q: Why do some sellers use a 22kt hallmark on Thappa jewellery?

A: The hallmark only refers to the gold foil, not the whole piece. It’s technically correct but highly misleading—just like a sweet with silver foil isn’t solid silver.

Q: How can I verify real Polki jewellery?

A: Always ask for gold and diamond certification (IGI/EGL/BIS) and a gold weight breakdown. Real Polki will be solid gold throughout, not just on the surface.

Q: Why is Thappa Polki so much cheaper?

A: It uses imitation materials and shortcuts, offering no real value or longevity. The gold is only on the surface, not in the structure.

Q: Can Thappa Polki be resold?

A: No, it has almost no resale value. Authentic Polki jewellery, made with solid gold and real diamonds polki, retains value for generations.

Q: Are all Polki sets with 22kt hallmark real?

A: No. Many fake sets use the hallmark for the foil only. Always check for full certification and gold weight details.

Q: What’s the best way to avoid getting scammed?

A: Buy only from trusted jewellers, demand full certification, and request a video call to inspect the piece up close.

Q: Why do reputable sellers offer Thappa jewellery?

A: It’s a profit-driven shortcut—producing imitation jewellery at low cost and selling it with misleading hallmarks to uninformed buyers. Always look beyond the price tag and hallmark.

Q: What’s the difference between foil and solid gold in jewellery?

A: Foil is just a surface layer, easily damaged and worthless as an investment. Solid gold means the entire piece is crafted from gold, ensuring value, durability, and tradition.

Don’t let low prices and scams fool you. Choose real Polki jewellery for your most special moments—crafted with honesty, skill, and heritage.