Birthstone: Birthstone for July
Country of origin: Onyx is found in Brazil, India, California and Uruguay, among others.
About the stone: Black onyx is a stone used for grounding, protection and self-control, and is said to shield against negative energy.
What is the history of onyx?
Onyx can be traced back to ancient Greece, where the stone first got its name. The term ‘onyx’ is believed to have been derived from the Greek word ‘ὄνυξ’ which means ‘fingernail’ or ‘claw’. It is said that Venus (the Goddess of Love) was sleeping and her son Cupid clipped her fingernails and placed them in the sand. The Gods then transformed them into gorgeous stones and called them onyxes!
The Romans often engraved the stone with the image of Mars (the God of War) as they believed that it would give them courage on the battlefield.
Caring for onyx: Onyx is a soft stone that can be damaged if dropped or knocked, so please take care when wearing. To maintain its beautiful lustre, we recommend cleaning with a soft damp cloth and thoroughly drying afterwards. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasives and avoid exposure to chlorine.
Ethics and Sustainability – We endeavour to source all our gemstones from conflict free and reputable suppliers. As part of our “Full-Circle” sustainability initiative, return your old Silk & Steel onyx jewellery and we will give you an online credit to spend towards a new design! We will recycle silver and re-use stones, so nothing goes to waste. Any pieces from Superfine, or beaded bracelets, we will buy back and give you a $10 online credit to redeem on our website against a new purchase. All other sterling silver designs from our mainline collections will receive between $20-$40 credit depending on the style.
If you would like to take part in our Full-Circle offer email studio@silkandsteel.co.nz - we would love to hear from you.