Oxidised Earrings

Earrings have existed for thousands of years. In Egypt, kings, queens, wealthy men and women wore earrings made from electrum. In due course, as electrum containing gold, silver, and copper began to tarnish, metalsmiths first discovered a technique called Niello to imitate the dark finish. They applied a sulphur-containing substance to oxidise the earrings for a rich black metallic finish. Oxidised Earrings refers to earrings that undergo a process where tarnishing is caused through exposure to chemicals, patina is the thin layer of tarnish formed on the surface of the metal or metal alloy. Oxidisation typically results in a black antique colour, but sometimes it can be in shades of blue, red, green, or brown, depending on the compound used and the duration of treatment. The history of oxidised earrings is a fascinating journey through time, reflecting shifts in fashion, culture, and societal norms. As the craft spread to Rome and Greece, wealthy Romans and Greeks of both genders began to wear earrings set with pearls and other gemstones like amethysts, topaz, garnets, carnelians, agates and lapis lazuli. But in the Middle Ages, 5th to 15th centuries, male earrings started to get out of fashion, and earrings were made mostly for women. Women wore decorated hoops, pendant earrings and cluster earrings as a symbol of wealth. Their earrings were studded with precious and semi-precious stones, featured symbolic motifs, and used advanced techniques like cloisonné, enamelling and filigree. However, during the 13th century, Catholic Churches across Europe banned wearing earrings. The medieval law did not allow ear piercings, stating the body was a temple of God, and no vain modifications like body piercings would be allowed. At that time, only thieves, pirates, and lower-class persons wore earrings. By the turn of the 16th century, during the Renaissance period, artsy oxidised earrings started to regain importance, especially among the higher echelons of society. Then, in the 19th century, during the Victorian era, affluent women wore different styles of oxidised earrings such as studs, clusters, drops, danglers, hoops, chandeliers, huggies and halos to reflect their beauty and wealth. Also, black oxidised earrings became an integral part of mourning jewellery. By the 20th century, earrings gained more acceptance from everyone from Europe to America. Oxidised earrings were no longer a privilege for few but were available to anyone who wanted a pair. They had even become more affordable due to the mechanisation of the craft. Until 2008, silver was the only metal used to manufacture oxidised earrings, but now they are available in affordable alloys containing copper, brass, bronze, or nickel. While oxidised earrings travelled from Europe to America, they continued to be an essential part of African, Middle Eastern, and Indian cultures. The Tuareg and Berber tribes of North Africa wore oxidised earrings as part of their ceremonial or daily attire, while the Bedouin women who roamed the Middle Eastern deserts wore elaborate oxidised earrings containing semi-precious gemstones, coins, or beads. In India, too, women from the Banjara tribe, the Gond tribe, the Bhil tribe, the Santhal tribe, the Lambani tribe, the Toda tribe, and the Naga tribe wore large oxidised earrings. Also, the Mughals brought the famous bell-shaped earring called Kharanphool Jhumka, which remains a favourite earring style in India. Today, the expansive and mesmerising variety of oxidised earrings, combine cultural heritage with contemporary style.

How to Style a Oxidised Earrings

Oxidised earrings add a unique look to any ensemble, ethnic or Western, formal or informal. The absolute must-haves are a fusion between tradition and trend. So, whether you want to create a dramatic or an understated elegance look, here’s how to style oxidised earrings to make heads turn. 

Firstly, since earrings like oversized traditional oxidised jhumkas or chandbalis can make a bold statement, make them the focal point of your overall look. Wear them with a low-cut choli or on a high-neck blouse to accentuate your face. Keep the neck bare and instead opt for a sleek cuff to complete the look. Also, limit the accessories to one or two pieces and let the earrings do the talking. You can even style oxidised earrings for formal functions like an award night, a wedding reception, and a festival like Diwali or Eid.

Oxidised earrings look good when paired with outfits in monochromatic colours like royal blue, olive green, deep red, burgundy, off-white or black. They will stand out without having to vie for attention with too much pattern or print. Opt for oxidised earrings with semi-precious gemstones that match the colour of your outfit. Consider the type of material to match your oxidised earrings. For instance, traditional oxidised earrings look good on anything cotton. They add an edginess to Indian cotton sarees and salwar suits. 

With oxidised earrings, you can feel like a diva in casual outfits, too. Wear silver oxidised earring studs or oxidised enamelled jhumkas with jeans and kurtas to complement your Indo-Western look. Oxidised earrings are so versatile and fashionable that they can transition from daywear to evening wear. But while doing so, try sticking to a theme – go all traditional or all contemporary! 

Mix or match, metal or studded, plain or enamelled, enjoy styling your oxidised earrings for everyday wear to special occasions. From power and prestige to spirituality and sophistication, oxidised silver earrings continue to occupy a prominent place in jewellery boxes.