Navratri 2025: Why oxidised jewellery is hot this festive season

Navratri is a vibrant and celebratory occasion marked by colour, dancing, and the best attire. While sarees and lehengas are dominant festive wear, there is an accessory this season that is stealing the show; oxidised jewellery!

With its rustic silver tones and striking aesthetic, it's the ideal finishing touch that leaves an impression of drama and elegance to both traditional and modern clothing.

Traditional roots of oxidised jewellery

The history of oxidized jewellery begins around 3000 BCE. Ancient Egyptians were the first culture to appeal to the tarnished look of silver, gold, and copper ornaments.

Before the darkening metals were chemically treated with sulphur and ammonia to produce an unassuming effect; they admired the look of silver and gold while they harbored their inevitable tarnish.

Historical records reveal an account of ancient Egyptians commissioning the chemical application of sulphide or ammoniated carbons, developing their unique oxidized finish, specifically to stand out behind stark white clothing.

The Greeks and Romans popularized the Niello technique between 1000 BCE and 500 CE. This method involved filling engraved areas with a black mixture made of copper, silver, sulphur, and lead to accentuate elaborate designs. In Rome, oxidised rings actually became love tokens.

By the Renaissance period, oxidised jewellery had become a source of amazing creativity that informed modern designs. The Victorian period gave rise to dark mourning jewellery featuring filigree details.

Oxidised ornamentation in Indian culture

Oxidized jewellery, influenced by many generations and cultures, has very important significance in an Indian context. Tribal communities, including the Banjaras, Gonds, Bhils, Santhals, Lambanis, Todas and Nagas have created oxidised ornaments as part of their cultural and society.

From large necklaces, to jhumkas, to bangles and anklets, each tribe has their own distinguishable design style influenced by the local art style.

Even now, tribal-inspired oxidized jewellery continues to captivate fashion lovers around the world. The earthy tones are a perfect match to vibrant traditional outfits and it remains a popular option for festivals, like Navratri, weddings, and cultural events.

Moving towards fusion

As fashion changes, oxidized jewellery is changing too. No longer designed just for ethnic clothing, the jewellery has adjusted its aesthetic to also accommodate fusion designs.

Present-day designers are interpreting oxidized jewellery with updated styles, using a range of semi-precious stones, colourful beads and enamel, to make unique pieces to complement any outfit whether it be sarees, skirts, kurtis or even Western clothing.

Celebrities as party inspiration

Bollywood and television stars continue to inspire new ways on how to wear oxidized jewellery.

• Sonam Kapoor wears statement oversized chokers.
• Alia Bhatt is soft and delicate in jhumkas.
• Hina Khan is layered and elaborate.
• Avika Gor mixes cute, fun and fusion-friendly options.

These looks exemplify oxidized jewellery is no longer confined to traditional wear; it has emerged as a style staple.

Oxidized jewelry in your closet today

Lightweight, fashionable, and versatile: oxidized jewelry suits current lifestyles and can be worn day or night!

For years, the popularity of oxidized jewelry has grown globally more than any other jewelry category thanks to e-commerce providing brands and artisans a new way to reach their customers.

A festive must-have

From temples of the past to today's runways in high fashion, oxidized jewelry has been and will continue to be a part of the fabric of society.

Make oxidized jewelry be the accessory of choice this Navratri, whether as stacked bangles or multiple rings, even bold neck pendants.

Rustic yet elegant, oxidized jewelry is timeless for anyone ready to glow with ease and glamour.