It’s not just attire that can get a person noticed. Unique pieces of jewellery can make you stand out in style too. Oxidised jewellery is the hottest trend now and it can be paired with anarkalis, saris and other Indian attire and Western wear also.
Heavy overshadowing neckpieces, chokers, danglers, earrings, bracelets, and hair accessories with a silver base add a touch of ethnic elegance.
Sunday POST got in touch with Kunwar Singh Sahib, a Delhi-based jewellery designer, to find out why oxidised jewellery is favoured by jewellery lovers.
“Fashion from some years ago is back whether it’s Bollywood movies, songs or apparel. I feel oxidised jewellery has gained popularity again not only because of its unique look but also because it is cost effective and versatile in comparison to silver and gold. It can be found in a variety of designs and colours with mix and match of different materials like wood, beads and shell.”
There are two methods of making oxidised jewellery. One is through the process of oxidisation that involves the blending of two metals to create an alloy. A pure metal like silver is exposed to sulphur to get the oxidised effect.
Another method is the use of silver black which contains hydrochloric acid, and this is a more controlled approach to oxidising as compared to the use of liver of sulphur. But this is a hazardous method and should be used only after reading the safety guidelines.
Oxidised metal is used to make a vast array of objects such as necklaces, earrings, anklets, chains, jewellery boxes, and ornaments for the house.
Kunwar adds, “The demand and popularity of the jewellery increases during festive or wedding seasons. These days girls like to wear simple clothes, and to enhance their look, they pair up clothes with elegant pieces of oxidised jewellery such as:
Earrings
They look divine both with western and ethnic wear. Whether you team them up with a sari or jeans, they can look equally beautiful.
Necklaces
Ranging from coloured threads with a simple pendant to beautiful chokers and chunky boho jewellery, the array of neckpiece options can leave you with plenty of choices. All these options can be a perfect ten on ten with both Indian wear and western wear.
Bangles
When we talk about jewellery, one of the first things that come to mind is bangles. Apart from the regular glass and gold ones, oxidised silver bangles look lovely especially with denim, salwar suits, and gorgeous cotton Indo-westerns. Try oxidised bangles, for a smart and trendy look.
Nose and stud rings
Fancy silver nose studs and pins are all the rage now. Nose studs with unique craftsmanship area must have.
City-based fashion designer Ananyaa Patnaik discusses the reasons why oxidised jewellery is a big hit with fashionistas.
She says, “Oxidised jewellery has created a space for itself by giving a completely different look. It can be paired with any attire.
“The elegance of a solid single colour sari and blouse can be enhanced by adding a heavy silver oxidised neckpiece or a pair of earrings.
“A simple silhouette can turn into a designer one with a pair of heavy earrings. It is not always necessary to work on an attire silhouette to look different, accessories can also turn heads if you can identify the right pair to use.
“Jeans and Indo-western kurtas can also be paired with these oxy silver wonders and the result is simply outstanding. No one would have thought of pairing such heavy accessories with casual wear to look trendy, and that’s what fashion is — it starts where people stop imagining.”
HANDY TIPS
Here are a few tips on maintaining oxidised jewellery:
- The fastest and easiest method to clean the jewellery is to use a paste of lemon juice and salt.
- Store each piece individually in a zip lock plastic pouch to make sure there is no contact with air. Moisture can damage the jewellery.
- Keep oxidised jewellery away from perfume and other cosmetic products. Let your perfume dry before wearing the jewellery.
- Rubbing oxidised jewellery with dry tooth powder and a soft cloth can bring back its original sheen.
- To remove tarnish, place the jewellery in a bowl of tomato ketchup for 5-10 minutes. The acid in the tomatoes oxidises with the tarnished silver and can leave your oxidised jewellery looking as good as new.
- Rubbing white toothpaste on the jewellery and rinsing it off with warm water can also be helpful.
- Cover the jewellery with baking soda and leave for 30 minutes. Rinse it off with hot water.
SHABIHA NUR KHATOON, OP