Onyx is a name that can mean more than one thing, so I think it’s worth explaining before looking at the pieces in my shop.

In gemstone use, onyx usually means chalcedony, a fine-grained form of quartz with straight, parallel bands. The bands can be different colours. Black and white are the best known, but brown, red and other shades occur too. 

Agate is also banded chalcedony, but its bands are usually curved or irregular. Onyx has straighter layers.

There is also a material sold as “onyx marble”. Despite the name, that is usually calcite or aragonite, not quartz. So the word onyx doesn’t always tell you exactly what a piece is made of. I use the names shown on my listings and describe what you can see, rather than assume every material called onyx is the same.

Black Onyx

My Black Onyx Ring With Leaf Detail is listed as natural black onyx. A smooth black cabochon gives the silver leaf a lovely contrast. You may come across dyed black chalcedony sold as onyx too, so I think it’s useful to look for clear information about treatments when comparing pieces.

Banded Onyx

The Banded Onyx Ring With Heart Detail has a 6mm oval stone with grey and black bands. The Onyx Heart has broader bands of pale grey and white, with warm golden ochre through the middle. The heart is listed as onyx from Brazil. This is slightly softer than the others. 

Traditionally associated with

Onyx has a long history as a material for carved jewellery and objects. Its contrasting bands made it useful for cameos and engraved designs, where a carver could show different colours in one piece. The name comes from the Greek word for a fingernail or claw, and an old story links the stone to the goddess Aphrodite.

In modern crystal traditions, onyx is often associated with protection and boundaries. I find the history and the natural patterns interesting in their own right. These are traditional associations, not promises about what a stone will do.

How I look after it

I wipe my onyx pieces with a soft, dry cloth. I keep them away from perfume, hairspray and household cleaners, and store jewellery separately so it doesn’t rub against harder pieces.

For the banded heart, I’m especially gentle. I keep it away from prolonged water and knocks, and give it a steady place on a shelf where it won’t be knocked over.

In my shop

The Black Onyx Ring With Leaf Detail is £75. It has a 4mm round cabochon and a sterling silver band stamped 925.

The Banded Onyx Ring With Heart Detail is £50. It has a 6mm oval cabochon in a twisted rope bezel, with a silver heart detail.

The Onyx Heart is £20 and approximately 8cm across. It is a one-off, so the heart in the photographs is the one that arrives.

Free UK shipping on orders over £50. Everything is sent from Luton, and collection is available if you are local.