SilverStones

Onyx is a variety of Agate. Onyx is either solid black or has black and white bands. Onyx that is reddish brown and white is known as Sardonyx. Black onyx is usually dyed to produce a uniform color. Onyx has a fine texture that makes it ideal for carving cameos. In ancient times Romans used onyx to carve their seals because wax would not stick to it.

This black onyx necklace has tiny black onyx beads woven into a rubber collar with a magnetic clasp. This necklace can be worn alone with the clasp in back or with the clasp in front with a ginkgo leaf pendant (shown above) or one of the many V-style silver pendants available at SilverStones.

The main source of onyx is British Columbia, Canada, Scotland, UK and in the US in Utah, South Dakota, Idaho and Rhode Island, although it is also found in other parts of the world.

Bring the Knight out in your man with a dragon pendant. Dragons are associated with wisdom and were thought to have supernatural and mystical powers. In the King James version of the Bible, the words serpent, dragon and devil were used in an interchangeable manner.

The folklore and mythology of the dragon in European cultures depicts dragons with wings. According to Western folklore, medieval dragons were associated with magic, although the meaning of dragons varies in different regions of the world. Dragons guarded hidden treasures, gemstones and fortunes in their caves. These mystical creatures had the ability to fly and breathed fire that destroyed many villages.

In Medieval times, Knights slayed dragons to protect their castles and treasures, many a knight fought to their death to prove their faith. These dragon slayers found it to be a profitable business, which won them fame and fortune.

Is your mother, girlfriend or wife celebrating a birthday soon? Can’t think of a gift that would surely bring a smile to their face but not leave you broke? Try giving them a sterling silver heart pendant.  It’s romantic, whimsical and very affordable. The perfect gift for that perfect girl in your life.

Also, the good thing about sterling silver is that it’s easy to clean should it ever get tarnished. Place your jewelry in an aluminum pan or any container lined with aluminum foil. Sprinkle a thin layer of ordinary baking soda over the pieces.  Slowly pour boiling water until it submerges all the jewelry.  Move the pieces around with a plastic spoon, rinse under running tap water, dry with a towel and polish with a soft cloth.