Festival Jewellery

Festival jewellery is all about bold designs, cultural influences, and eco-friendly choices. In 2025, festival jewellery is trending towards charms, beaded designs, and bright colours.

Let's take a look at what to consider when putting together your festival jewellery look!

Pictured: Sloane Pearl Drop Stud Earrings, Harper Boyfriend Chain Necklace, Kai Seashell Pearl Pendant Necklace

How Should I Style my Festival Jewellery

Creating a style that is true to you is what counts! Consider what is important to you, like the ideas below, and base the look around that.

Culturally inspired designs: Featuring motifs like the nazar boncuk (evil eye), these pieces blend heritage with modern styles.
Eco-conscious trends: Recycled metals and ethically sourced gemstones are becoming popular among festival goers.
Artisan techniques: Traditional methods, like handmade, hammered finished jewellery, combined with sustainable practices, are becoming increasingly popular.
Styling tips: Layer necklaces, stack rings and bracelets, and pair jewellery with bohemian, denim, or even casual styles for a stand-out festival look.

For a sustainable and stylish festival season, consider pieces crafted with care, like Ottoman Hands ’ recycled metal jewellery adorned with semi-precious stones.

Turkish Heritage in Modern Jewellery

Turkish jewellery-making has roots stretching back to ancient Mesopotamia ^[2]. Today, it’s been given a modern twist, blending timeless craftsmanship with bold designs perfect for festivals. These age-old traditions form the backbone of the unique styles highlighted in our upcoming guide.

Artisan Making Methods

In Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, artisans combine traditional techniques with modern, eco-conscious practices. This mix of heritage and innovation is evident in the production process:

Technique	Traditional Use	Modern Twist
Filigree Work	Detailed wire designs	Lightweight festival jewellery
Stone Setting	Semi-precious gemstones	Ethically sourced gems
Metal Forming	Hammered textures	Recycled metals
Surface Treatment	Hand-polishing	Eco-friendly plating methods

Symbolism in the Motifs

Turkish festival jewellery often carries meaningful motifs. The nazar boncuk (evil eye) is one of the most well-known symbols, believed to protect against negative energy. This makes it a popular choice during festivals. Geometric patterns signify unity and balance, while floral designs symbolise growth and renewal - perfect themes for the festive season.

Modern designs seamlessly merge Turkish heritage with contemporary aesthetics. Pieces often feature semi-precious stones like turquoise and tiger’s eye, set in recycled metals with subtle Ottoman-inspired details.

Avedis Kendir, a master craftsman with over 40 years of experience in Ottoman jewellery, exemplifies this blend of old and new. His work showcases how traditional techniques can be reimagined for today’s festival fashion ^[3].

Materials and Production Standards

Since 2010, Ottoman Hands has prioritised sustainability and quality by carefully choosing materials and employing responsible production methods ^[7]. This commitment ensures every piece balances style with eco-conscious principles.

Metal Selection and Plating

The jewellery combines durability with environmentally friendly practices, starting with recycled brass or sterling silver as the base. These materials undergo specific plating processes:

Base Material	Plating Type	Best Suited For
Recycled Brass	21ct Gold	Statement pieces, hoops, pendants, cocktail rings, drop earrings
Recycled Sterling Silver	18ct Gold	Delicate chains, charm bracelets

This thoughtful approach is reflected in standout festival pieces like the Aylin Gold Hoop Earrings and Red Onyx Heart Charm Chain Bracelet, both crafted with 21ct gold-plated recycled brass ^[4]^[5].

Gemstone Selection Process

Semi-precious stones are chosen to align with festival styles while adhering to ethical sourcing standards. Each stone undergoes strict quality checks before being used. A prime example is the Labradorite and Carnelian Star Charm, which features precious stones set in recycled brass with 21ct gold plating ^[6].

Pictured: Charm Collection - Mix & Match

Limited Production Approach

By focusing on small-batch production, Ottoman Hands ensures better quality control and reduced environmental impact. This method offers several benefits:

Advantage	Effect
Quality Control	Greater attention to craftsmanship details
Environmental Care	Lower waste and resource use
Unique Appeal	Each piece retains its individual charm
Artisan Expertise	Allows skilled craftspeople to apply hand-finishing

This approach allows artisans to combine traditional techniques with modern eco-friendly practices, creating festival jewellery that is both sustainable and distinctive ^[7].

Festival Styling Guide

Inspired by eco-conscious materials and Turkish heritage, these tips will help you craft a standout festival look.

Necklace Layering Tips

Layering necklaces can add depth and personality to your festival outfit. Start with a bold chain, such as the Etta, as your foundation, then add a pendant necklace like the Moon Face Gold Pendant Necklace. For variety, mix fine chains with eye-catching charms.

Rings and Bracelets: Go Bold

Go all out with rings, bracelets, and wristbands. Incorporate Turkish-inspired designs alongside modern stacking techniques for a striking balance.

"I don't feel like you should try to make anything cohesive, because this whole weekend is just about maximizing your style. So have all the wristbands, have all the jewellery, have all the charms, just do it up because when else are you going to be able to do all that?" ^[10]

Here’s how to layer effectively:

Use your festival wristband as the starting point.
Add metal cuffs and bangles for texture.
Include colourful beaded bracelets.
Stack bold rings on alternating fingers for a playful touch.

Pairing Jewellery with Festival Outfits

Match bohemian dresses with gemstone necklaces or floral-inspired designs ^[1].
Denim outfits work well with stacked metal cuffs or braided bracelets.
Crop tops shine when paired with statement necklaces or body chains.

"I like a lot of rings and anklets and bracelets, necklaces, earrings. Whenever I can put a piece of jewelry on, it's things that shine." ^[10]

These styling ideas align with a focus on eco-conscious and culturally rich festival jewellery.

Pictured: Charm Collection - Mix & Match, Mina Lapis Cocktail Ring

Jewellery Maintenance

Keep your festival jewellery looking stunning by following these care tips.

Gold-Plated Care Tips

Festival settings can be tough on gold-plated jewellery. Sweat, air, and other elements can affect its appearance, so extra care is needed.

To protect your gold-plated jewellery during festivals:

Apply moisturiser and perfume well before putting on your jewellery ^[11].
After wearing, gently wipe each piece with a soft cloth.
Keep your jewellery away from harsh chemicals and extreme conditions

"It's really a matter of keeping it away from the elements - salt, water, sweat, and high humidity - and chemicals from cleaners or perfumes." - Gretel Going, Founder and Designer of Fortune & Frame

If tarnishing occurs, use a quality jewellery polishing cloth. Avoid using harsh cleaners, as they can damage the plating.

Travel and Storage Solutions

Travelling with jewellery during festivals can be tricky, but good storage prevents damage and tangling. Try these ideas:

Store delicate pieces in individual soft pouches.
Use plastic wrap to secure necklaces and avoid tangles.
Keep rings and small items in pill organisers or contact lens cases.
Always pack valuable pieces in your carry-on luggage.

Make sure to store your jewellery in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.

Ottoman Hands for Festival Season

Ottoman Hands brings a blend of modern design and Turkish heritage to their handcrafted jewellery. Perfect for festival season, their pieces combine recycled metals with semi-precious gemstones, offering stylish options that are both ethical and eye-catching.

Standout items like the Essential Charm Link Chain Necklace and the Starburst Crystal Eye Charm make a bold statement ^[4].

Ottoman Hands also prioritises sustainability. All online orders are carbon neutral ^[16], and their packaging features FSC-certified recycled paper and cotton pouches. Each piece is crafted with care by skilled artisans in Istanbul.

Pictured: Charm Collection - Mix & Match

FAQs

What sustainable practices does Ottoman Hands use to create their festival jewellery?

Ottoman Hands is committed to sustainability by incorporating recycled metals into their jewellery-making process, reducing the need for newly mined materials. We also prioritise eco-friendly packaging, ensuring it is both minimal and recyclable.

To further lower their environmental impact, Ottoman Hands uses carbon-neutral shipping and crafts timeless designs that encourage long-term use, helping to minimise waste. Each piece reflects a dedication to sustainability without compromising on style or quality.

What makes Turkish-inspired motifs, like the evil eye, a standout feature in festival jewellery?

Turkish-inspired motifs, such as the evil eye, bring a rich cultural heritage and a touch of mystique to festival jewellery. These symbols are not only visually striking but also hold deep meanings, often associated with protection and good fortune.

Incorporating the evil eye into jewellery, like statement bracelets or necklaces, adds a unique and artistic flair to your festival outfits. These pieces effortlessly combine cultural significance with bold design, making them perfect for creating a distinctive and memorable look.

How can I style festival jewellery to create a standout look?

Festival jewellery is all about bold, vibrant pieces that add personality to your outfit. To create a standout look, focus on pairing statement items like Turkish-inspired necklaces or semi-precious gemstone earrings with simpler clothing to let the jewellery shine. For example, a colourful pendant necklace works beautifully with a plain maxi dress or a flowy boho top.

Layering is another great way to elevate your style. Try combining stacked rings or bracelets of varying textures and materials for a chic, eclectic vibe. Don’t shy away from mixing metals or adding pops of colour with gemstone accents to reflect the festive spirit.

Finally, consider the festival's atmosphere and your outfit's practicality. Opt for lightweight, sustainable pieces that are easy to wear all day, ensuring you stay comfortable while making a statement.