Tag Archives: onyx

Black Onyx Statement Necklace

Rosie, one of my lovely clients, commissioned me to create this necklace for her. It is completely handcrafted from sterling silver and black onyx, and the cabochons were cut specially for this commission by the lovely and talented Annaig from Annaig’s Gemstudio.

I’m often wowed by the ideas and requests I receive, and this was one of those times.

It’s a real statement piece, and I envisage it being worn by generations. It’s a privilege to do this kind of work for such wonderful people. Thank you, Rosie!

Flashback – Onyx ‘Schnoerkel’ Pendant

I made this piece when I was studying at the Goldsmith’s School under the supervision of my teachers. I found this black onyx cabochon at the annual Gem Show here in Brisbane, and designed this pendant to suit it.

The spirally curlicues are known as ‘shnoerkels’ (having two German teachers had its interesting and educational side!) and the piece was set in dental plaster to solder.

As I was expecting any minute at the time, my kind teacher Sue was worried that I wouldn’t get back to class to do it, so she set the stone for me! 🙂

Medium Black Onyx Checkerboard Cabochon

The beautiful black onyx cabochon shown here is 23mm long, and is available to be handcrafted into a custom made ring or pendant for you.

Black onyx is a type of quartz. In Greek mythology, Eros clipped Aphrodite’s fingernails while she slept, littering them across a beach; forcing The Fates to turn them to stone which produced onyx.

Large Black Onyx Checkerboard Cabochon

The beautiful black onyx cabochon shown here is 29mm long, and is available to be handcrafted into a custom made ring or pendant for you.

Black onyx is a type of quartz. In Greek mythology, Eros clipped Aphrodite’s fingernails while she slept, littering them across a beach; forcing The Fates to turn them to stone which produced onyx.

I used a similar cabochon to create this custom piece:

Capricorn

Capricorn, The Goat, is the tenth symbol of the Zodiac. Anyone born between 22 December and 20 January is born under this sign. Capricorn, the latin word for “horned goat” or “goat horn”, is a cardinal sign, and is ruled by the planet Saturn. Its symbol is , representing the body and head of a goat with the tail of a fish. Capricorn is one of the four earth signs.

Onyx is one of the traditional stones for Capricorn. Onyx is believed to assist with repelling negative energy.

July – Onyx

Another stone traditionally assigned to Capricorn is Ruby. It is thought to be good for self esteem, and is worn as a symbol of friendship and love.

Key words for people born under the sign of Capricorn are: Enduring, has a sense of purpose, proud, ambitious. Capricorns can be suspicious and aloof. Capricorn rules the knees, joints, and the skeletal system.

Capricorns share their sign with such notables as JRR Tolkien, Kahlil Gibran and Henri Matisse. You can shop for a Capricorn pendant in my Celestials Collection in The Silver Forge Shop.

Leo

Leo, The Lion, is the fifth symbol of the Zodiac. Anyone born between 23 July and 22 August is born under this sign. Leo, the latin word for Lion, is a fixed sign, and is ruled by the Sun. Its symbol is , representing the lion’s head and mane. Leo is one of the four fire signs.

Tourmaline is one of the birthstones for Leo. It is believed to be good for lessening falls, both physical and emotional.

Another stone traditionally assigned to Leos is Onyx. Onyx is believed to assist with repelling negative energy.

Key words for people born under the sign of Leo are: Glamour, generosity, organizer, the center of attention. Leos like to take the lion’s share of things. Leo rules the heart, chest, spine, spinal column and upper back.

Leos share their sign with such notables as Coco Chanel, JK Rowling and Amelia Earheart.

You can shop for a Leo pendant in my Celestials Collection in The Silver Forge Shop.

Round Onyx Cabochon

The fabulous onyx gemstone cabochon shown here is 35mm long, and is available to be handcrafted into a custom made ring or pendant for you.

Onyx is a variety of chalcedony, which has been in use for carved objects and jewellery since ancient times.

Onyx is thought to help release negative emotions such as sorrow and grief. It is believed to assist with ending unhappy or bothersome relationships. Onyx is sometimes worn with the belief that it can defend against negativity that is directed at you.

the silver forge

jewellery handcrafted by ruthie gray