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Oxidised Necklaces
The allure of meticulously crafted oxidised necklaces reminds us of an era of artisans who have played a pivotal role in the history of adornment. Oxidised necklaces have their roots in ancient civilisations, where metals were first intentionally treated for a distinctive dark look. Ancient Egyptian metalsmiths discovered that silver and copper neckpieces when exposed, created a beautiful darkened effect. Soon, this process evolved and spread across Rome and Greece, where skilled artisans employed oxidisation in their silver and copper jewellery. These civilisations discovered that certain metals, such as silver and copper, could be deliberately exposed to oxidising agents like sulphur or ammonia to create a tarnished or blackened effect on the surface. Oxidisation was used to highlight intricate necklace designs by creating contrasting effects on the surface metals. They sometimes even adopted the technique to achieve different colours, such as black, blue, yellow, red, purple, brown, and green, combining different compounds and controlling the oxidisation process. Through trade and conquests, the art of oxidisation travelled from these ancient cultures to the Indus Valley Civilisation, which occupied much of modern-day northeast Afghanistan to Pakistan and north-western India from circa 3300-1300 BCE. Scientific evidence shows women heavily laden with jewellery reflecting the advanced techniques of metallurgy, which formed a significant part of their culture. Later, silver necklaces with oxidised finishes became a prominent feature in various tribal jewellery collections, with each tribe infusing its unique artistic sensibilities. From the Banjara tribe in India to the Karen Hill tribe of Thailand, the Navajo tribe of America, and the Tuareg and Berber tribes of North Africa, tribal communities worldwide wore oxidised necklaces as part of their ceremonial or daily attire. Their distinctive patterns and motifs carried cultural significance and symbolism, distinguishing one tribe from another. The art even spread to the nomadic Bedouin tribes of the Middle East who roamed the deserts of Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq, and Jordan. Bedouin women wore elaborate oxidised silver neckpieces containing semi-precious gemstones, coins, or beads. By 1100 AD, the process of blackening silver moved beyond tribal jewellery. In the 19th century, during the Victorian era, oxidised jewellery started to get more recognition and acceptance across continents. People in America and Europe began to wear oxidised necklaces with intricate filigree work and symbolic motifs. Also, women wore dark pendants, necklaces, earrings, or broaches to funerals. Jet, a fossil coal, was mainly used to create black mourning jewellery, then. Soon, with art movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, oxidised metal provided a contrasting backdrop for colourful precious and semi-precious stones. Oxidised necklaces made headway with innovative techniques, artistic designs, and mass-scale production. Until 2008, silver was the prime metal used in oxidised necklaces, but since the price of silver substantially rose, different alloys now form the base for oxidised necklaces. Mostly copper, brass, bronze, or nickel are used to make the alloys where the percentage of silver may be 20 to 25% or less.
Diving into the Design
Though oxidised necklaces successfully embrace cultural heritage with contemporary fashion trends, traditional and modern necklaces vary markedly in design, aesthetic value, materials, motifs, craftsmanship, and usage. The design characteristic peculiar to traditional oxidised silver necklaces is their intricate pattern inspired by historical, tribal, and cultural motifs. On the other hand, modern oxidised necklaces have more minimalist designs with clean lines. Further, aesthetically speaking, the traditional oxidised necklace emphasises cultural heritage, while the modern oxidised silver necklace focuses on simplicity and versatility. Similarly, while traditional oxidised necklaces were mostly made from silver or copper, today, there is a wide variety of affordable oxidised necklaces containing silver, alloy instead of pure silver, or silver-plated brass. Also, while traditional necklaces used mostly semi-precious stones and enamelling, modern oxidised necklaces have semi-precious stones, glass, stone, and cubic zirconia to mimic tribal, Mughal, or temple jewellery designs.
Traditional oxidised necklaces also differ from their modern counterparts in terms of the motifs used in the design. Most traditional necklaces have animal, birds, floral and nature motifs, cultural and religious symbols, and mythological and historical figures, whereas modern necklaces have geometric patterns and abstract designs. Also, another marked differentiator is the craftsmanship. Most traditional oxidised necklaces and pendants were hand-crafted using tools like pliers, wire cutters, saws, hammer tools, burr tools, manual drills, resin, and bench blocks. However, modern-age silversmiths and oxidised silver jewellery exporters have workshops or factories with automated rolling, forming, cutting and shearing machines to optimise the production of oxidised necklaces. These machines reduce human intervention, simplify processes, speed up manufacturing, allow large-scale production, maintain consistency in design, reduce wastage, and keep the overall cost low.
Though oxidised necklaces in traditional and modern styles differ, they also have a few common elements, like they all go through the oxidisation process, contain silver or silver-plated brass, are decorated with motifs, enamel work, have real/artificial stones, contain filigree, granulation, engraving or etching, hold a large pendant or centrepiece and exude a vintage appeal.
Oxidised necklaces, traditional or modern, with their versatile designs, vintage appeal, and cultural significance, are the perfect choice for fashion-forward individuals. By understanding the differences and the common elements, you can choose the right style of oxidised necklace to complement your outfit, occasion, and overall look. Whether you prefer traditional oxidised necklaces or modern designs, a variety of jewellery types can complement your style and occasion.
Occasions
Oxidised necklaces in different styles, shapes, and lengths, in silver or alloy, preserve traditional artistry with a modern sensibility. They are easy to adapt to any occasion, from a date night to a wedding reception. Elaborate oxidised necklaces are statement pieces that add the perfect touch to special occasions like weddings. From the bride-to-be to the bride's entourage and bridal guests, everyone can incorporate traditional oxidised necklaces at various wedding functions. These necklaces, paired with oxidised bangles, jhumkas, and nose rings, create a balanced and striking look. Oxidised necklaces are also the perfect accessory for ethnic outfits during Indian festivals, as they elevate your style and cultural connection.
Oxidised necklaces are also fashion-friendly. A modern oxidised necklace or pendant chain can be worn at casual and formal outings. Whether going for a casual movie night or a formal national symposium, select an oxidised necklace with gemstones to add subtle sophistication. Further, with oxidised neck pieces fusing ethnic antique appeal with dark nouveau styles, they have become a prominent choice for office-goers. Oxidised necklaces and pendant sets, being durable and inexpensive, are ideal to carry across the globe when vacationing. You can match them with different travel-friendly attires without worrying about damaging or losing them.
How to Style a Oxidised Necklaces
An oxidised necklace can up your style, thus, you must wear oxidised jewelry properly to look fashionably subdued yet stylish. First, for a casual chic look, pair an oxidised pendant necklace with a simple white shirt and jeans. You can also wear it on a printed dress with an oxidised choker necklace for a boho-chic look. For work, wear a minimalist neckpiece that is not overly conspicuous. Pair it with a monochrome or pastel-coloured formal blouse and match it with a stud earring and a delicate oxidised bracelet.
You can even style an oxidised necklace with your party outfit. Whether celebrating or attending a birthday party or wedding anniversary, express yourself with a gorgeous oxidised necklace with matching earrings. You may layer two or more necklaces if the look demands. On the other hand, if you are dressing for a festival or a formal function, go bold. Choose a statement necklace with traditional motifs to highlight your V-neck or off-shoulder outfit. The one style rule to follow is to keep the rest of your accessories simple when wearing a statement oxidised necklace.