Oxidised or bright silver: which to choose

Half the pieces in our shop are oxidised and half are bright, and people often ask which is better. Neither is; they suit different jewellery and different habits.

Oxidised silver has been darkened deliberately with a sulphur solution, then polished back on the raised parts so the pattern stands out. It hides the slow tarnish that every silver piece gets, so it needs less care. It suits carved and textured work, like our flower necklace and the vines on the engraved cuff, and it sits well with handloom cottons, khadi and everyday kurtas.

Bright silver is polished to a mirror finish and shows off clean shapes and filigree. Tarakasi is almost always left bright, because the twisted wire catches the light. Bright pieces look festive and formal, and pair well with silk and with gold borders. The cost is upkeep: they tarnish visibly within weeks if stored badly, so they need wearing, a zip bag and the occasional polish.

Over time, both finishes change. Bright silver softens to a gentle sheen from wear. Oxidised silver slowly loses its black on the high points, which many people like, as it shows the shape more clearly. If you want to restore either, bring it in; we re-oxidise or polish free for life. A simple rule from our counter: choose oxidised for daily wear and travel, and bright for weddings, pujas and pieces you will wear a few times a year.