Three handmade 925 sterling silver rings, each with black onyx and a distinct texture on the band: hammered, striped, and smooth. The same stone, three different conversations with light. They can be worn separately or together to create a hand with character.
Piece Details
| Mineral |
Black Onyx (chalcedony, microcrystalline quartz variety) |
| Stone Dimensions |
Oval cabochon; varies depending on the ring in the set |
| Size |
Ring no.1: 19 · Ring no.2: 16½ · Ring no.3: 13½ |
| Shape and Back |
Oval cabochon, flat back |
| Finish |
Mirror polish (stone) · Hammered, striped, and smooth respectively (925 silver) |
| Hardness |
6.5–7 Mohs — suitable for daily wear; we recommend removing the jewelry during high-impact or abrasive activities |
| Metal |
925 Sterling Silver |
| Origin |
India (black onyx) · In-house workshop (assembly) |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Piece Type |
Set of 3 rings — unique workshop pieces |
This particular piece
The first has a hammered finish band: a surface of small irregular planes, individually struck by hand with the jeweler's hammer, which fragments the light and gives it a life of its own even in dim lighting. The second features stripes on the sides, creating a visual rhythm reminiscent of architecture. The third is a smooth, round profile, unornamented: polished silver mirroring the intense black of the stone.
The three cabochons are set in a closed bezel, the mounting technique that best protects the edges of the chalcedony and highlights the cut silhouette of the onyx against the silver.
About the manufacturing technique
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Hammered (no. 1, size 19) — Finish forged with a ball-peen hammer on the sheet before soldering. Each plane is unique; the texture cannot be reproduced exactly.
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Striped (no. 2, size 16½) — Parallel lines engraved with a graver. Matte-glossy finish depending on the angle of incident light.
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Smooth (no. 3, size 13½) — Round profile with no additional surface treatment. Mirror polished across the entire band for maximum black reflectivity.
Black onyx in lapidary tradition
Black onyx has been an amulet and seal stone since ancient times: the Romans used it in cameos and signet rings, and in the medieval Arab world, it was considered the stone of patience and mental resilience. In crystal tradition, black onyx (protection and inner strength) is associated with mental clarity in the face of adversity.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice or a substitute for professional care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the black onyx received any treatment?
No detectable treatment. The uniform black color is consistent with untreated chalcedony.
Can I combine all three rings on the same hand?
Yes. The three share similar band proportions and the same stone, making them work as a set even though each has a distinct texture. They can be worn on three different fingers or reserved depending on the day's style.
Does black onyx scratch with daily use?
With a hardness of 6.5–7 Mohs, black onyx resists dust and gentle daily contact. We recommend removing the rings during high-impact activities, working with tools, or exposure to abrasives. The closed bezel further protects the perimeter of the stone.
Are the three pieces unique or mass-produced?
Each ring is a unique workshop piece. The textures (hammered, striped, smooth) are not identical across different batches, and onyx is a natural material with no two cuts exactly alike.
How should these rings be cared for?
Please refer to our complete guide on jewelry care. In summary: avoid exposure to perfumes, cleaning products, and salt or chlorinated water. Store each piece separately to prevent scratching each other.
See also: all artisan rings · silver jewelry · properties of black onyx.