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View PieceWhat onyx is
Onyx is a variety of chalcedony, the fine-grained form of quartz. In nature it is banded, often in black and white; sardonyx, an August birthstone, combines layers of reddish sard and onyx. The solid, glossy black that jewelers call black onyx is almost always chalcedony that has been dyed to an even black, a practice that goes back centuries and is standard across the trade. Every onyx in this collection is natural chalcedony, cut mostly as smooth cabochons, flat tablets and shaped hearts and marquises. Our onyx guide covers its history.
Why black onyx works
Black is the ultimate neutral, and onyx gives it depth and polish. Set against white diamonds, it creates a crisp, graphic contrast that suits Art Deco shapes, signet rings and modern geometric designs; in yellow gold it reads bold and classic, in white gold sharp and contemporary. Onyx is also one of the few gems that crosses easily into men's jewelry: our men's signet and cushion rings are among its most traditional uses. For an anniversary, GIA lists onyx for the 7th year.
How to judge onyx
Look for an even, saturated black with no gray patches or visible banding, and a high, glassy polish. Clean edges on a cabochon or tablet matter more than size. Because its color is uniform, onyx lets the design do the talking: an evil eye, an ankh, a claddagh or a starburst of diamonds around a single black stone.
Caring for onyx
Onyx rates about 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, so it handles regular wear with care but scratches more easily than sapphire or diamond. Clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Keep it away from solvents such as nail polish remover or alcohol, which can affect dyes, and from high heat during repairs; skip ultrasonic and steam cleaners. Store it apart from harder gems. See our Mohs hardness scale and jewelry cleaning guide.
| Gem | Mohs hardness |
|---|---|
| Diamond | 10 |
| Sapphire and ruby | 9 |
| Topaz | 8 |
| Amethyst and citrine | 7 |
| Onyx | 6.5 to 7 |
| Opal | 5 to 6.5 |
How to choose onyx jewelry
Earrings and pendants are the simplest way to wear onyx every day, from bezel studs to a diamond-halo statement necklace. A black onyx ring makes a strong everyday accent if you take it off for heavy work; signets and cabochon solitaires are the most classic shapes, and the men's rings are cut for a wider hand. Yellow gold gives onyx a warm, vintage richness, while white gold makes the contrast with diamonds sharper. Rings are made to order in your size, so check the sizing guide first.
Onyx Jewelry at a glance
| Piece | Wear level | Best settings | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black onyx rings | High | Cabochon, signet, halo, stackable | Made to your size |
| Men's onyx rings | High | Signet, cushion with diamonds | Cut for a wider hand |
| Black onyx necklaces | Low | Halo, evil eye, ankh, solitaire | Chain length listed per piece |
| Black onyx pendants | Low | Halo, starburst, geometric | Easy everyday wear |
| Black onyx earrings | Low | Studs, halos, hoops, drops | No sizing needed; an easy gift |
Frequently Asked
Onyx Jewelry FAQ
What is onyx jewelry?
Onyx jewelry is any piece set with onyx, a black variety of chalcedony. Ours includes rings, men's rings, necklaces, pendants and earrings in solid 14K white, yellow or rose gold, many with diamond accents.
Is black onyx natural?
The stone is natural chalcedony, a fine-grained quartz. Like nearly all black onyx sold today, it is dyed to achieve its even, glossy black, a long-standing practice in the trade.
What is the difference between onyx and black onyx?
Onyx in nature is banded chalcedony, often black and white. Black onyx is the solid black form used in most jewelry, usually achieved by dyeing. Our collection is black onyx.
Is onyx a birthstone?
Onyx is not a modern birthstone, though sardonyx, which combines onyx with reddish sard, is a birthstone for August. GIA lists onyx for the 7th wedding anniversary.
Can you wear onyx every day?
Onyx earrings and pendants, easily. Onyx rings, with care: at about 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, onyx is softer than sapphire or diamond, so remove the ring for heavy work and store it apart from harder gems.
Do you sell men's onyx rings?
Yes. This collection includes a men's oval black onyx ring in 14K yellow gold and a men's cushion black onyx and diamond ring, along with signet and band styles that suit any hand.
What does onyx symbolize?
Onyx has long been associated with strength and protection, and it has been carved into seals and cameos since antiquity. Today it is mostly chosen for its graphic, timeless black. Our onyx guide covers the history.
How do I clean onyx jewelry?
Warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid solvents such as acetone or alcohol, harsh chemicals, high heat, and ultrasonic or steam cleaners. See our jewelry cleaning guide.
Which metal looks best with onyx?
Yellow gold gives onyx a warm, classic look; white gold sharpens the contrast with diamonds; rose gold is softer. Every piece comes in 14K gold, and some earrings and necklaces in platinum.
Is onyx good for an engagement ring?
Onyx is chosen more as a fashion or statement stone than a center for daily bridal wear, because it is softer than diamond or sapphire. For a dark, durable engagement stone, a deep blue sapphire is the stronger choice; see sapphire jewelry.
How do I choose the right ring size?
Every onyx ring is made to order in the size you select, and rings are final sale, so measure first with our sizing guide. Between sizes, choose the larger one for wider bands.