Onyx Obsession

On a recent trip to Miami *(for those who follow this blog: this is the same trip that sent me clamoring for crochet), I bought a real treasure: a vintage Chanel bracelet, all onyx, with a gold and silver clasp bearing the iconic interlocking Cs. I have worn it every day since, and enjoy it so much, that it has sent me on a journey for my next onyx piece.

My own new vintage onyx Chanel bracelet. To die for

And with good reason. In jewelry, as with fashion, colors simply look crisper against a black background, and black always looks right with anything. That’s why onyx makes sense: it’s a perfect combination stone, and it is very practical. Think of it as the perfect jewel to complement these minimalist times in fashion.

In researching it a bit, I have learned that onyx is a black chalcedony quartz with a fine texture that is very easy to carve (note; it can also be found in other colors, but that’s not the point right now). Thus, it has been popular for centuries. In fact, onyx was major with the ancient Greeks, who even gave it its name, after the Greek word for “claw” (those of you who watched “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” are chuckling right now, no doubt).

Luckily, I seem to have stumbled upon an onyx goldmine. On a visit to Fifth Avenue’s Henry Bendel, I met designer Yael Nadiv, a resident of Zurich, Switzerland, who was on the day of my visit hosting a trunk show. Nadiv, a former graphic designer and now jewelry maven, is obsessed with onyx. She carves and creates the most incredible necklaces, bracelets and rings out of this magical stone- as well as out of horn, amber, and others. Her unique, hand-made, one-of-a-kind creations are currently sold throughout Europe – and will soon be in New York permanently, and they are also available by order through her website.

Designer Yael Nadiv, photographed in New York, wears her best-selling horn necklace and cuff, and an array of Yael Nadiv bracelets

According to Yael, black onyx shines especially well when used as a backdrop for another stone. This is perhaps why of all her collection, I am particularly obsessed with an onyx beaded necklace from which dangles a huge amber stone, carved to look like a crown. Aptly, the regal piece is named “Crown”.

Yael Nadiv’s onyx and amber Crown, about $1500; available by request at www.onyx-online.ch

If you would like to add a little black magic to your jewelry drawer, this season – consider onyx!

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