Stones

Onyx

Onyx is among the most sought-after ornamental stones in jewelry-making: with its fine texture and rich, deep black color, it has stood out as a prized gem since Antiquity and was particularly in vogue in the jewelry field from the late 1910s. Van Cleef & Arpels uses the black tint of onyx to set off the sparkle of diamonds and the gleam of gold, particularly in the Alhambra® and Rose de Noël™ collections.

Drawing of the Dame masquée clip

Le Secret collection

Dame masquée clip

White gold, black spinels, onyx, diamonds

Le Secret collection

The Maison selects stones with a fine, homogeneous texture. Polishing enhances the sparkle of this stone so that the surface reflects light like a mirror. For its creations, Van Cleef & Arpels carefully selects extremely pure stones in intense, uniform hues. The colors of onyx are often harmonized by lapidaries using specific techniques to provide consistent undertones.

Odile ballerina clip, white gold, black spinels, onyx, black lacquer, diamonds, Feminine figures collection

Vintage Alhambra® long necklace, 20 motifs, yellow gold, onyx

Macareux moines clip, white gold, yellow gold, one cabochon-cut black opal of 19.64 carats, blue and mauve sapphires, emeralds, green garnets, black spinels, onyx, coral, diamonds, Noah’s Ark as told by Van Cleef & Arpels collection

Cosmos ring, white gold, onyx, diamonds

Zip Antique Couleur necklace transformable into a bracelet, white gold, onyx, diamonds, Zip collection

Onyx is a relatively resistant stone that is easy to care for, and it can be worn daily. However, for lasting enjoyment of your creation, the Maison would like to share the following care recommendations.

To protect the radiance of your stone and avoid abrasion, it should ideally be stored separately from other jewelry pieces in a case lined with fabric. It is also preferable to remove your jewelry when engaging in any sporting activity to avoid shocks.

Chemical products could dull the color of the onyx, diminishing its intensity. We advise avoiding any direct contact with perfumes, lotions, and hand sanitizer. You may clean your stone with soap water and a soft brush and dry it with a soft cloth.