Onyx: The Magic of Black
For centuries, onyx jewelry has been used as a symbol of the night and bravery in the face of darkness. Onyx pottery can be found in the ruins of Egyptian and Minoan archaeological sites, often depicting religious engravings and artwork. In addition, the rich black and white swirling tones made onyx a popular hand carving stone in early civilizations and modern art.
Later, the Romans used onyx to adorn their war heroes. They would carve images of Mars, the God of War, and other heroic Romans to give the warriors courage in battle. Onyx was also used in Greek and Roman civilian artwork, but black became the most popular color instead of the black and white banded stones used by earlier settlements.
During the period of mourning Queen Victoria held for her brother in the late 1860s, onyx became a more popular jewelry stone as it resembled the Queen's depression and the changing tides in England's political landscape. Many years later, the gemstone saw a resurgence in the art deco period, where blacks, whites, and ruby reds were favored in home decor and fashion.
In North America, onyx has been a symbol of transformation among many Native American tribes. The blackness the stone captures represents the power and courage that comes from facing personal transformation or fears.
The magic of black has stood the test of time throughout centuries and civilizations, and now it can be a part of your jewelry collection. By choosing the right necklace, bracelet, or set of onyx earrings, you can bring this same symbol of strength and transformation into your everyday life.
Modern Meanings and Celebrations Associated with Onyx
While onyx is deeply entrenched in ancient traditions and symbolism, it is still an important part of modern culture. For example, onyx is the birthstone for the Leo zodiac signs and a 19th-century birthstone for July and August. It is also a traditional gift for the 7th wedding anniversary.
The black color of onyx is also becoming more popular in fashion. It is an ideal winter accessory to add a dramatic flair to your darker and more muted wardrobe choices. Plus, black accessories easily tie into other pieces of your outfit, such as shoes, belts, and scarves. For a genuinely sultry look, add onyx jewelry to your little black dress attire and make all eyes wander to you throughout the evening.
Onyx Properties And Rarity
Onyx is a type of chalcedony quartz where bands of white and black chalcedony form into a single stone. Unlike agate stone, the bands form in parallel lines that give onyx a distinctive natural look. Natural onyx stones are found in a wide range of colors from white to brown, gray, green, and many other hues. Onyx has a unique variant, sardonyx, in which the bands are red or yellow in color instead of black. This amazing variety is more common than "black onyx" and easier to find naturally. Most black onyx is artificially colored or is only found in bands among different shades of gray and white. Dyeing has been used on onyx for centuries and has no effect on its value or quality as a gemstone.
Today, onyx is mined primarily from India and South America, but there are select areas in China, Madagascar, Mexico, and the United States where it can be found.
How To Choose Onyx Jewelry
Onyx's captivating color and durability as a gemstone make it an all-around beautiful addition to any jewelry collection. You can find a variety of styles, from vintage-inspired pendants to modern rings, earrings, brooches, and more. With the color of midnight and the spirit of everlasting strength, onyx is the perfect addition to your treasure chest.
Black onyx looks stunning in both silver and gold jewelry settings. We recommend choosing whichever setting matches the majority of your collection so you can pair it with other gemstones and everyday pieces. Black onyx is the perfect complement to warm, rich tones found in gems like garnet, carnelian, and coral.
Onyx gemstones are typically shaped into cabochons instead of faceted because of their opaqueness. This makes them idyllic stones for bracelets and large round pendants. However, our collection includes hundreds of styles to suit your unique tastes. We have heart shapes, crosses, florals, and artistic styles that turn the beauty of black onyx into something extraordinary for you to wear.
Onyx Jewelry Care & Handling
Onyx has a Mohs hardness rating of 7 which means it is relatively durable for everyday use. However, it needs special care to retain its value over the decades. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners for your onyx ring as the process may damage it. Instead, wash with warm water and soap if exposed to dirt, sand, chemicals, perfumes, oils, or other elements.
By storing your onyx pieces in a jewelry box, you can prevent fading and discoloration from sunlight. Be sure to wash your onyx if necessary before storing. With proper care, your onyx jewelry should last several decades and make a beautiful heirloom gift.
