Onyx
A black chalcedony, usually dyed to an even colour. Common as a contrast bead beside white pearls.
Most black onyx in jewellery is grey agate dyed black, which is an accepted and stable treatment.
It takes a high polish and is hard enough at 7 on the Mohs scale to survive daily wear far better than pearl.
Against white pearls it gives the strongest contrast available without introducing another colour.
When you are buying
Because onyx is much harder than nacre, an onyx bead strung directly against a pearl will abrade it. Look for a knot or a metal spacer between the two.
Onyx and pearl pieces
27 pieces in the collection right now, from ₹2,250.
Traditional South Indian Pearl Jhumkas in Black Onyx Stones
Trendy White Pearls Necklace With Minimal Black Onyx Pendant
Simple White Pearls With Cute Black Onyx & CZ Butterfly Pendant
Trendy Pearl Necklace in Pearls and Rose Quartz
Simple Oval Pearl Necklace Set in Black Onyx Stone Pendant
Magnificent White Round Pearls Bracelet With Bright Purple Onyx
Vibrant White Round Pearls Bracelet With Purple Onyx Bead
Exquisite White Pearl Graduated Necklace With A Cute Black Onyx Studded Pendant
Semi-Precious
A commercial label for every gemstone outside diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald. Not a measure of quality.
Knotting
A knot tied between each pearl on the thread. It stops pearls rubbing and limits a break to a single lost pearl.
Spacer
A small bar with several holes that keeps the rows of a multi-line necklace parallel and untangled.
Gemstone
Any mineral or organic material cut for jewellery. Traditionally split into precious (diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald) and semi-precious.