Polished Black
The standard: a mirror finish that reflects hard light and reads as jet black against gold.
Onyx
Opaque black chalcedony, almost always dyed
- Hardness
- 6.5 – 7
- Anniversary
- 7th
- Worn daily
- Protective setting
- Origin
- Brazil, India, Uruguay, Madagascar
- Traditionally
- Onyx has been carved for signet rings, cameos and intaglios since Roman times, which is why it still reads as formal rather than decorative.
Care Wipe with a soft damp cloth and dry it. Keep it away from ultrasonic and steam cleaners, household chemicals, perfume and sudden heat, all of which can affect the dye.
Onyx
Mohs Hardness
6.5 – 7
Stone Origin
- Brazil
- Madagascar
- Africa
Gemstone Type
Beryl
Explore Our Collection
Find the Aquamarine Piece That Fits Your Style
Aquamarine is a member of the beryl group, just like emerald. However, unlike its fellow gemstone, it has greater transparency and clarity, with high-quality stones being completely see-through with no cloudiness. There are some specimens with a slight icy blue hue, while others tend to have a bluish green color.
Aquamarine has a distinct appearance compared to other blue gemstones.
Aquamarine is used extensively in jewellery as it is quite durable for regular wear. This gemstone’s hardness rate falls between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale, which means it can be used for rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants, and bracelets.
Today, most aquamarine gems in jewellery are mined in Brazil, Madagascar, and Nigeria. The higher the clarity of an aquamarine stone and the stronger its color, the higher its value.
Explore our collection
Find the Onyx Piece That Suits You
Onyx is opaque, hard-edged and graphic. It is bought for the black rather than for sparkle, which means the design carries the piece and the stone gives it contrast.
Rings
Signet rings, cocktail rings and inlaid designs.
View Rings→Earrings
Studs, drops and hoops with a graphic black face.
View Earrings→Pendants
Pendants and inlays where black does the work.
View Pendants→Every piece is made in our Burnside workshop. Onyx takes engraving better than almost any other stone, so a signet face can be cut with a monogram or a crest — ask and we will quote it with the setting.
Our Ring Collection
Aquamarine Rings
Aquamarine rings have a fresh and light appearance and do not carry the weight that some other dark stones have.
While some customers choose a vintage style featuring engraving, a milgrain edge or even filigree, others opt for a simple, elegant design, one which puts the emphasis on the stone. Both designs will work well depending on the type of aquamarine used and its color.
Our Rings Collection
Onyx Rings
Onyx is the traditional signet stone, and a signet is still what we are asked for most. It takes fine engraving better than almost any other material, so a monogram or a crest can be cut into the face itself.
For a ring worn every day we set it flush or low: the stone is Mohs 6.5 to 7, and a raised face will dull at the edges over years. In a cocktail ring, onyx is most often used against diamonds, where the contrast does the work.
Our Earrings Collection
Onyx Earrings
Earrings are where onyx is least vulnerable and most useful. It gives a hard, flat black that reads clearly at a distance, which is why it is a standing choice for evening pieces.
Our Pendants Collection
Onyx Pendants
Onyx pendants are usually about shape rather than sparkle — a disc, a bar, an inlay set into gold. The stone is opaque, so the design has to carry it, and it does that well.
Our Earring Collection
Aquamarine Earrings
Aquamarine earrings look beautiful worn near the face while adding color without being too heavy or formal. Our aquamarine earrings collection is diverse and includes traditional as well as modern designs with various sizes of stones. Contact us to explore what models of aquamarine earrings are currently available in our collection.
Our Necklace Collection
Aquamarine Necklaces
Aquamarine necklaces are admired for their soft blue-green colors and brightness. An aquamarine pendant will bring color and decoration to a jewellery collection.
We have a variety of aquamarine necklaces, ranging from elegant single stone pendants to luxurious cluster pendants.
Contact us for a custom-made aquamarine necklace or pendant.
The Detail
The Facts Behind Aquamarine's Timeless Beauty
What every property actually means for the jewellery you wear every day
| Property | Value | What It Means for You |
|---|---|---|
|
Hardness (Mohs) |
7.5–8 |
Very durable and suitable for everyday wear in rings, bracelets, and pendants |
|
Transparency |
Transparent |
Light passes through the stone completely from one side to the other, which is what creates that luminous, glowing quality aquamarine is known for. The cleaner and more transparent the stone, the more light it holds and the more alive it looks when worn |
|
Luster |
Vitreous |
The surface reflects light the way polished glass does, bright, clear, and sharp. This is what gives aquamarine that clean, refreshing appearance that catches the eye even in low light |
The detail
The Facts Behind Onyx
What each property actually means for a piece you intend to wear
| Property | Value | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5 – 7 | Fine for earrings, pendants and a ring worn with some awareness. In a ring worn daily the polish will dull at the edges over years, which is why we set it low. |
| Transparency | Opaque | No light passes through, so the stone reads as a flat block of colour. That is the point of it: onyx is used for graphic contrast rather than sparkle. |
| Composition | Chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz) | A dense mass of microscopic quartz crystals rather than a single crystal. It cuts and carves cleanly, which is why it has been used for signet faces for two thousand years. |
| Typical treatment | Dyed | Almost all black onyx sold anywhere is grey chalcedony dyed black. It is stable, permanent and the accepted trade standard, but it is the reason to keep the stone away from solvents and heat. |
| Porosity | Slightly porous | It can absorb oils and perfume over time. Putting a piece on after scent rather than before is enough to avoid it. |
Colour
Colour of Aquamarine Stones
There are various shades of blue for aquamarines. The colour ranges from light icy blue through to deep blue-green. We can show you the range in colour and assist you in selecting the right stone for your design.
Light Aquamarine Stone
Lighter aquamarine stones have a subtle icy hue and will suit everyday jewellery designs.
Medium Aquamarine Stone
This colour is a popular choice for aquamarines. Gemstones in this category will give off a bright, vivid, and bold blue colour.
Dark Aquamarine Stone
The darker aquamarine stones offer a rich blue-green hue with high visibility and are often used in statement pieces.
Colour
The Colour Range of Onyx
Onyx is bought for one colour, and the differences are in finish rather than hue. The decision is usually between a high polish and a matt surface, and between a plain face and a carved one.
Matt Black
A honed surface with no reflection. Softer and more modern, and it hides the small surface marks that a polished face will eventually show.
Banded Onyx
The untreated material, with natural white or grey banding. Traditionally used for cameos, where the bands are carved through to create the image.
Visit Coloured Gemstones Australia in Adelaide, or shop our collection online. Nationwide shipping available across Australia.
Good to know
Questions We Are Asked Most Often
Is black onyx dyed?
Almost always, yes. Naturally solid-black chalcedony is rare, so the trade dyes grey chalcedony to a permanent black. This is standard worldwide and not a defect — but it is the reason onyx should be kept away from ultrasonic cleaners, solvents and heat.
Is onyx a birthstone?
Not on its own. Sardonyx, the banded red-brown variety, is a traditional alternative stone for August. Black onyx is more often bought as the seventh anniversary stone or simply for the colour.
Can onyx be used in a ring worn every day?
It can, with a low setting and realistic expectations. At Mohs 6.5 to 7 the polished face will soften over several years of constant wear. For a signet or a men’s ring that is often considered acceptable patina; if you want it to stay sharp, keep it for occasional wear.
How do I clean an onyx piece?
A soft damp cloth, then dry it. Nothing ultrasonic, no steam, and no household cleaners. Put the piece on after perfume rather than before.
Can you carve or engrave onyx?
Yes. It is one of the few stones that takes fine engraving well, which is why it has been the traditional choice for signet rings and seals. Ask us and we will quote the engraving with the setting.
Good to Know
Questions We Are Asked Most Often
What is Aquamarine?
Aquamarine is actually a member of the beryl family which includes emerald and morganite. The blue-green color of aquamarine is due to small amounts of iron within its molecular structure, while the natural transparency of the stone creates exceptional sparkle and shine in the finished piece of jewelry. It’s a reliable gemstone that retains its beauty in every light.
Which setting protects an aquamarine ring best for daily wear?
Bezel setting will protect your aquamarine by encircling the edges of the stone from potential damage due to daily usage. A halo setting surrounds the center stone with additional diamonds or gemstones and provides added protection to the edges of the stone. Claw setting exposes more of the edges of the stone, however also provides the best visibility of its color.
How do I start a custom aquamarine piece?
Send us an enquiry with what you have in mind: the piece type, the occasion, any images or references, and a rough budget. We will arrange a consultation in our Burnside studio or work through the details with you remotely. Stone selection, setting design, and metal choice are all decisions we make together, from the first conversation to the finished piece.
How do I check pricing and availability?
Contact us directly with the piece you are interested in or a description of what you are after. We will confirm what is currently available, provide pricing and outline lead times, then walk you through the next steps, whether that is a visit to our Adelaide studio or delivery within Australia.