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Archive for the 'onyx' Category

ONYX

February 19, 2009 | Filed under: onyx

Onyx, which is a variety of chalcedony, is one of the most versatile of gemstones. It comes in many colours but is best known and most often seen in black. It is a hard stone (measuring 7 out of 10 on Moh’s scale’s) and can also be carved and used to make decorative pieces such as boxes, and inlay work.
Onyx is cut into many different shapes with differing finishes which makes jewellery designers happy. My gallery has 4 images of jewellery with onyx and you will see several different shapes and finishes. The necklace with squares and circles is made up of onyx with a smooth, polished surface. The other pieces show onyx, in several different shapes, that is faceted with a shiny finish. In my collection of onyx gemstone, I must have at least 10 or more different shapes. There is even onyx with a matte or unpolished surface.
Black has always been a mainstay of fashion and as a result onyx figures prominently in many jewellery collections. Alone or combined with other colours, with silver or gold, it is a dramatic and beautiful gemstone.
Among many other attributes, Onyx is said to be strength-giving and to provide support in difficult or confusing circumstances. It is a stone of vigor and stamina. Very useful!
I am very fond of this stone and pair it with amber, and jade or other coloured gemstones, or just with very decorative silver pieces. You will see several pieces during my Spring Open House featuring this versatile gemstone, on its own or with a supporting cast.

Posted by Stephanie @ 5:22 pm | Comments


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