Black onyx is one of the easiest stones a man can wear. It is black, it is quiet, and it goes with almost everything you already own. A black onyx necklace sits under an open white shirt or over a plain T-shirt without asking for attention. That is most of its appeal.
This guide covers what onyx actually is, what people have long said it means, and how to wear it as a pendant, a ring or a bracelet. It also covers chain length, gold versus silver, and how to look after it. If you already know you want onyx, our gemstone collection has every piece in one place.
What onyx is
Onyx is a natural stone. It is a banded form of chalcedony, which is a type of quartz. In nature it often shows layers of black, white or brown. The deep, even black most people picture when they hear "black onyx" usually comes from dyeing or treating the stone, which is standard practice in the jewelry trade. It gives a consistent color from one piece to the next.
Onyx takes a high polish, which is why it suits flat faces and clean, sharp edges. A polished onyx surface reflects light like a dark mirror. That sharp-cut, flat finish is what you see on our onyx pieces.
What onyx is said to mean
Onyx carries a lot of tradition. Read what follows as belief and history, not fact. We make jewelry and make no claims about what a stone does for you.
- Protection. Many traditions have treated black stones as protective, and onyx is one of the most common examples.
- Strength and self-control. Onyx is often described as a stone for discipline and for staying steady under pressure.
- Focus and grounding. People who follow stone meanings say onyx helps them stay present and practical.
- Seals and signets. Onyx has been carved into signet rings and seals for centuries. The flat black face was used to press a mark into wax.
Some men wear it for one of these reasons. Most of the men who buy onyx from us never mention them. The most common thing people tell us is simpler: it looks classy, it is not flashy, and it goes with everything. If the meaning matters to you, good. If it does not, onyx still works as a plain, well made black piece you can wear every day.
Onyx pendants: chain length and chain type
A pendant is the most common way men wear onyx, and a black onyx necklace is where most people start. Two things decide how it looks on you: the length of the chain and the type of chain.
Length. On our Void - Onyx pendant, 22" (55cm) is the most popular length, then 20" (50cm), then 24" (60cm). As a rough guide, 20" sits around the collarbone on most men, 22" falls a little lower on the chest, and 24" sits lower again. Neck size and build change this, so check our necklace size guide before you order. One thing we hear often: several buyers wished they had gone longer. If you are between two lengths, the longer one is usually the safer pick.
Chain type. Our onyx pendants come on three chains: Cuban, Rope or Octagon. Cuban is the most popular choice on the Void Onyx, followed by Rope, then Octagon. Cuban is flat and solid looking and gives the pendant a heavier base. Rope is twisted and catches the light, so it reads more textured. Octagon has faceted links that catch small points of light and keep the attention on the stone.
Which pendant. The Void - Onyx is our best-selling onyx piece: a rectangular, sharp-cut stone, $70 in the US, rated 4.6 stars from 380 reviews. If you want something smaller and more minimal, the Chip - Onyx uses a smaller sharp-cut stone with the same chain and length options. It is also $70 in the US and rated 4.8 stars from 43 reviews. Both come in gold or silver. You can see the rest of the range in our gemstone pendants.
Layering. If you want two chains, the Onyx Set is put together for you. It pairs a Fusion Cuban chain at 20" (50cm) with the Void Onyx on a Rope chain at 22" (55cm), so the two sit at different heights. The lengths in the set are fixed. It is $109 in the US, comes in gold or silver, and is rated 4.8 stars from 69 reviews.
Onyx rings and bracelets
Once the pendant is in place, a lot of men add onyx elsewhere. We see it in the orders: people who buy the Void Onyx often add the matching bracelet and ring. Repeating the same stone across pieces ties an outfit together with very little effort. Build it up over time. There is no need to buy everything at once.
Onyx ring. The Pristine - Onyx is a modern signet. A custom-cut, polished onyx sits in a clean bezel on 316 stainless steel, plated with 18K gold or with rhodium for a silver tone. It comes in sizes 6 to 12, costs $50 in the US, and is rated 5.0 stars from 10 reviews. Given how long onyx has been used in signet rings, it is a natural shape for the stone. Wear it on your little finger or ring finger, on either hand. There is no rule.
Onyx bracelet. The Fusion Bracelet - Onyx is a Cuban bracelet with an onyx stone piece set into it. It comes in gold or silver, in 7.5" (19cm) or 8.5" (21cm), at $60 in the US, and is rated 4.8 stars from 19 reviews. It pairs well with a watch on the other wrist, or on the same wrist if you like a stacked look.
Gold or silver with onyx
Black works with both metals, which is part of why onyx is so easy to wear. The choice comes down to the rest of what you wear.
- Gold gives more contrast. Warm gold next to a black stone looks richer and stands out more against the skin. A good choice if you already wear a gold watch or gold rings.
- Silver-tone is cooler and quieter. Black and silver together look sharp and understated. A good choice if your watch is steel or you wear a lot of black, grey and navy.
Among our buyers, gold and silver sell about evenly, so there is no wrong answer. Our pieces are stainless steel, either 18K gold plated or rhodium plated for the silver tone. If you are wearing more than one piece, either keep the metal the same across your necklace, ring and bracelet, or mix them on purpose. A deliberate mix looks considered. A random one looks like an accident.
Caring for onyx
Our pieces are waterproof. You can shower or swim in them, and plenty of our customers wear their onyx every day, shower included. That said, we still recommend keeping them clear of moisture and chemicals where you can. Perfume, chlorine and cleaning products are the main ones to keep away from.
- Clean with a soft microfiber cloth dipped in lukewarm soapy water. Use gentle pressure, then let the piece dry.
- Avoid hard knocks. A sharp hit against a hard surface can chip the stone.
- Store your onyx away from harder pieces so the polished face does not get scratched. A separate pouch or compartment is enough.
Full instructions are on our jewelry care page. Every piece is also covered by our Lifetime Guarantee: if it fades, loses its gold shine or breaks through a quality issue, we replace it free, shipping included, once per item. It does not cover loss, theft, regular wear and tear or misuse.
Frequently asked questions
Is black onyx a good stone for men?
Yes. It is black, understated and easy to match, which suits most men's wardrobes. It works on a pendant, a ring or a bracelet, and it has a long history in men's signet rings.
What does black onyx mean?
By tradition, onyx is associated with protection, strength, self-control and focus. These are beliefs passed down over time, not proven effects. Many men wear it simply because it looks good and goes with everything.
Can you wear onyx in the shower?
Our onyx pieces are waterproof, so you can shower or swim in them. We still recommend keeping them away from perfume, chlorine and cleaning products where you can, and cleaning them now and then with a soft cloth and lukewarm soapy water.
Should I choose gold or silver with black onyx?
Both work. Gold gives more contrast and a warmer look, while silver-tone is cooler and quieter. Our buyers choose them about evenly, so go with the metal you already wear most.
Read next: Is stainless steel jewelry waterproof? and How to stack men's jewelry.
