“O”nyx and agate

I may have cheated a tiny bit on this post. I make jewelry and wanted to highlight a necklace that I made, that includes onyx. Onyx is not the main stone but it adds a depth and anchors the rest of the stones in the necklace, so I think it counts.

The main stone with the different striations is Botswana agate. The necklace also includes smoky quartz, Swarovski crystal and sterling silver spacers and clasp.

I made one for a silent auction gift and liked it so much that I made another one for me. I love the stones but have a hard time matching it with any of my outfits.

Onyx is actually mentioned in the Bible. Ezekial 28:12-13 says “You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: carnelian, chrysolite and emerald, topaz, onyx and jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise and beryl.” Wow! What great company!

Onyx was also included in an ephod, which was a sacred vestment worn by the Jewish high priest (Exodus 28:4) and others like Samuel and David. It featured two pieces which hung from the neck and covered the back and front, above the tunic and outer garment. The two pieces were joined together over the shoulders by clasps or brooches of onyx stones set in gold. Onyx has been said to represent spiritual truths.

Those who believe in the energy that stones represent or hold say that the agate is “the stabilizer.” It’s grounding and supportive. Agate is said to form when igneous rock combines with silica deposits in groundwater. The colorful bands that give the semi-precious stone its trademark look are layers of agate deposits that developed on top of each other.

Isn’t the creativity of nature amazing? We can’t add to it or recreate it – we can admire and appreciate it in pieces of jewelry and other examples in our lives.

What would you wear this with?