Onyx pendants buying guide

by Madhubanti Rudra

The wardrobes of today’s women consist of two types of jewelleries. The first category displays the dressy kinds of ornaments which are worn rarely on selective occasions. The second and more important category comprises of those kinds of jewelleries which you just put on everyday with everything. The selection of the jewelleries of the second type is tougher because, they have to appear classy and elegant, and at the same time, bear a universal appeal – looking not too gorgeous or too funky. When matching all these parameters at one go becomes a real brain-teaser, you may find a mind-blowing solution to your dilemma in wonderful onyx jewelleries.

Why looking for an onyx?

Beauty is the manifestation of the solace of your mind. Self-adornment with precious gems and jewels enhances this beauty. But there is a difference in looking beautiful and looking elegant. Elegance does not mean being noticed. Elegance in true sense of the term means being remembered. Looking elegant also means being confident and only the right kind of dressing, complete with right kinds of accessories can provide you with that level of confidence which is a prerequisite for a successful woman of twenty first century. The most important of all accessories is the right selection of jewelleries. The wardrobes of today’s women consist of two types of jewelleries.The first category displays the dressy kinds of ornaments which are worn rarely on selective occasions. The second and more important category comprises of those kinds of jewelleries which you just put on everyday with everything. The selection of the jewelleries of the second type is tougher because, they have to appear classy and elegant, and at the same time, bear a universal appeal – looking not too gorgeous or too funky. When matching all these parameters at one go becomes a real brain-teaser, you may find a mind-blowing solution to your dilemma in wonderful onyx jewelleries. The high polished opaque black in onyx has a vintage charm which reminds you of the days of Victorian aristocracy. But at the same time, this highly cost effective stone can become a good accompaniment to any of your dresses featuring any color or pattern.

Tryst with an onyx pendant

If you are a genuine perfectionist, you can never do without a pendant. A pendant is a very expressive medium to add a special feminine touch to your whole persona. It is said that there is no limit to a lady’s collection of pendants. The addition of an onyx pendant will make your collection even more enviable. An onyx pendant is a must-have for every wardrobe because no other gemstone can give you such an unlimited scope of mix and matching at such an affordable price.

A black onyx pendant makes a good accessory with almost all your dresses means; it will be subject to extensive use. Therefore before buying an onyx pendant, you should proceed carefully taking certain basic points in consideration.

First of all, it will be a grand idea to get your onyx pendant custom designed instead of buying a readymade one from any store. You can buy the parts of the pendant separately and then get it assembled. The process of assembling follows a basic kind of construction. Two main pieces are required to carry out the process- 1st is the basket like base of the pendant that has prongs to support the stone and connect it properly to the whatever metal has been used and 2nd is the stone itself. This process of assembling ensures some basic quality parameters. First of all, it ensures the accuracy of the setting of the stone. Then, the overall appropriateness of the piece is maintained by matching the right size of pendant base with the right size of the stone. Then you can select the chain with right thickness for the pendant. You can also decide whether the metal looks right to stone ratio.

The mounting should be very skillfully done. Make sure that the stone stands squarely and securely. For the setting, 18ct gold or platinum are highly recommended. However, the choice of metal should be influenced by whichever metal you use most in bangles, in earrings and other accessories.

Choosing between prongs or bezel [a thin frame of metal that holds the stone] is a matter of personal choice. However, a bezel set pendant is always a choice of class that looks good on everyone. A bezel set pendant looks best when accompanied by a gauge chain. However, a simple curb chain having interlocking oval links is not altogether a bad choice for carrying your onyx necklace. The length, quality and the material of the chain is very important, because the chain is supposed to bring out the beauty of the pendant and complement its brilliance. The basic rule for buying a chain is that, the metal of the chain, should match with the metal of the pendant.

The length is also very important because, the pendant should be displayed in a prominent position of your neck. According to the international standard, sixteen inches chain is perfect for a lady with average height. With this length the pendant will occupy the space near the hollow of your throat, and it is sure to steal the attention of everybody. However, if the neckline of your dress is not that good, you can make up this shortcoming, by choosing a longer chain. That way the pendant will be suspended in an attractive v-shape.

An Overview of the Onyx Stone

Before buying any stone jewellery, one should take notice of the basic traits of the stone. Among the 4 mighty Cs [cut, color, clarity, carat weight], dominating the price of the stone, some become more important than the others, in case of some particular stones .As for onyx, the color is the most important price determining factor. Onyx is basically a multilayered stone like agates and depending on the different colored layers, onyx can be divided into a few separate categories. In ancient days, all the categories of this stone were called by the same title as onyx. But over the ages, they came to be categorized according to their different colours and today, the black variety of this stone is labeled as onyx. While the brown variety with the white and light reddish stripes is known as sard-onyx, the stone with a red base goes by the name of cornelian-onyx. But till date, the black onyx is most popular among the designers and customers alike and naturally more expensive than the other varieties.

However, onyx is a medium soft variety of gemstone and if subject to knock and pressure, it develops cracks very easily. But this stone is ideal for making carvings and as such, it always inspired the artistic designers to make innovations and experimentations with this stone. So far as the cuttings are concerned, onyx is as fit for receiving the traditional cushion or cabochon cuts as the modern innovative cuts. In the hands of modern designers, onyx gets the shapes as varied as frog to a conventional cross.

The most interesting point about an onyx is its legendary and historical background that definitely counts on its value. This stone is also believed to be a traditional healer of emotional wounds, resulting from past relations. A birth stone for the zodiac sign of Leo, onyx makes a perfect anniversary gift for 16th wedding anniversary.

Finally, all being said, never get skeptical about buying an onyx pendant, because, your indulgence on an onyx pendant, will always highlight on the cerebral side of your persona. Sporty, elegant, corporate or casual- any look you want can be rightly accompanied by your onyx pendant.