Some Historical Facts on Black Onyx Jewelry

Black Onyx JewelryThis stone is usually set alongside other
Black Onyx is a form of quartz that is also knowngemstones to make the other colors stand out.
as chalcedony. The name chalcedony is derivedThe darkness of the stone sets an elegant
from the port of Calcedon. It was believed thatbackground for the brighter colored gemstones.
this gem was first mined on those shores. In theBlack onyx is a very popular gem used in the
ancient times, the gem was used to manufacturemanufacture of men's jewelry as it exudes a
bases for items made of precious metals such astouch of class and elegance that men love to
gold. The Romans used this gemstone to createwear because of the dominance that the color
seals made of carved layers.lends to jewelry. The stone is commonly used to
The use of stone in the Biblebeautify bracelets, rings, earrings, men's cuff links,
In the Bible, the stone is one of the twelveand pendants. During the 1800's, the use of the
precious stones used in the breastplate ofgem became popular. During the time of Queen
judgment of the high priest Aaron as written inVictoria after the death of her husband, women in
the book of Exodus 35:9 "and onyx stones andEngland followed complicated rules in fashion that
other gems to be mounted on the ephod andforbade prevented women to wear bright, strong
breastpiece". The onyx stone in the breastplate iscolors of any kind. Black onyx became the
the last stone that was used on the second rowessential gem of choice for men and women
of Aaron's breastplate.during that time.
The use of Onyx in JewelryThe Healing touch of Black Onyx
At present, the stone is mined in Brazil, California,Since the ancient times, people have believed that
India and Uruguay. Right now, the gem is a verygemstones have special healing abilities. The stone
popular and is used to manufacture of jewelry. Itis believed to have therapeutic effects to the
is normally set in gold, silver or platinum. Becauseeyes, most likely due to the round and almond
of its dark color, it is the perfect foil for theshape many onyx stones have when they are
whiteness, radiance and brilliance of diamonds.uncovered by miners. To this day, some people
Black onyx is the most commonly used amongbelieve that the stone has mystical powers.
the other quartz gems.