Onyx — black and elegance
Onyx is a variety of chalcedony, most often associated with deep, matte or polished black. It is relatively hard and takes machining well, which is why it is popular in men’s jewelry (signets, cufflinks) and elegant women’s jewelry. Black onyx gives strong contrast with silver and gold, works well as a cabochon (a smooth, domed stone without facets) and as an element of geometric, modern designs. It is sometimes dyed to achieve a uniform, intense black.
Malachite and other coloured stones
Malachite is a green stone with characteristic concentric patterns — every piece is different. It is soft and requires careful machining and a setting that protects the edges, but the effect is unique. Alongside it, popular stones include lapis lazuli (deep blue with golden pyrite flecks), mother-of-pearl, tiger’s eye, aventurine and howlite. Coloured stones let you build seasonal collections and a “stone of the month”. Their natural variation is a marketing asset but also a challenge for series repeatability — they must be matched by colour.
Stone forms: cabochon, faceted, beads
Natural stones come in several cut forms. A cabochon is a smooth, domed stone without facets — ideal for opaque stones like onyx, malachite or lapis. Faceted stones (cut into flat faces) are used for transparent stones. Beads (spheres with a hole) for necklaces and bracelets are also popular, as are slices and irregular forms. The choice of form depends on the stone, the design and the fixing method, and for beads the diameter calibration matters for an even strand.
Setting natural stones
Opaque stones are most often set in a bezel (closed) setting that protects the edges — important for soft malachite. Cabochons can also be fixed with jewellery glue in a seat or with prongs. Beads are strung on thread, steel wire or joined with wrapped loops. Soft stones require gentle machining and avoiding high temperatures, so they are mounted after casting and plating. More on techniques in the article stone setting in jewelry.
Natural stones in production for brands
Natural stones let brands make a collection stand out and tell a story — the stone’s origin and uniqueness are a strong sales argument. In production you set the stone type, form (cabochon, beads), size and setting, and the base metal. Bear in mind the natural variation of colours and availability — some stones must be ordered in advance. We make jewelry with natural stones as part of custom production and private label, in 925 silver and gold, with pricing split into metal, stones and labour.
Frequently asked questions
Is onyx always black?
It is most often associated with black, but onyx also comes in other colours and with bands. Black onyx is sometimes dyed to achieve a uniform, deep colour — a standard and accepted practice.
Is malachite durable for everyday wear?
Malachite is relatively soft, so it works best in earrings and pendants, less exposed to abrasion than rings. A closed setting and avoiding cosmetics extend its durability.
Does every natural stone look the same?
No — natural stones differ in colour and pattern piece by piece. For series they are matched by colour so the collection is coherent, but small differences are natural and part of their charm.