Natural irregular black onyx bracelet, stainless steel, 15.5+3.5 cm

A black piece of jewelry is the one you grab without thinking in the morning. This bracelet brings together irregular natural black onyx and stainless steel.

It measures 15.5 cm and can gain 3.5 cm thanks to its extension, closed with a spring ring clasp. The 3 mm onyx stays discreet: it pairs as well with a watch as with other silver-tone bracelets.

Onyx is a chalcedony, a very fine form of quartz, arranged in parallel bands of contrasting colors. Its name comes from the Greek onux, "fingernail": a legend tells that Eros cut Aphrodite's nails while she slept, and that the gods turned them into stone. Since Antiquity, its contrasting layers have been used to carve cameos and engrave seals; the Romans readily wore it as a talisman of courage. In the Middle Ages, by contrast, its dark color earned it a sinister reputation in Europe, while other traditions made it a stone of protection. It is found notably in Brazil, India and Uruguay. Its polished surface takes on a deep, understated luster that goes easily with any outfit.

The stone in your jewelry comes from Brazil.

In lithotherapy, onyx is a stone of protection, grounding and inner strength. It is credited with the role of a shield against negative thoughts and outside energies; it may help strengthen willpower and self-control, manage stress better, stay focused and gain confidence in your own decisions. Tradition links it to the Root Chakra and to the sign of Capricorn. These benefits belong to the beliefs of lithotherapy: nothing proves them scientifically, and they are in no way a substitute for medical advice. Onyx is worn above all for its understated elegance, which suits a daytime outfit as well as an evening look.

Stainless steel owes its resistance to corrosion to the chromium it contains. Wash your jewelry in lukewarm, soapy water with a soft cloth, then dry it. After contact with seawater or chlorinated water, rinse it in clean water. Avoid abrasive products and chlorinated household products, which can damage its surface.

Onyx is a hard stone, but its polish can be scratched by harder jewelry, and it does not like acidic products. Store your jewelry separately, in its pouch, and take it off for housework: detergents and vinegar can dull its surface. Even if the metal of your jewelry can handle water, the stone itself prefers a quick clean: wash it in lukewarm, soapy water without letting it soak, rinse in clean water, then dry it with a soft cloth. As a precaution, avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam and high heat. In lithotherapy, it is purified with incense smoke and recharged for a few hours in moonlight, or placed on a quartz cluster or an amethyst geode.

Each piece of jewelry comes with its certificate of authenticity. Stainless steel does not darken and can handle contact with water: a piece of jewelry that goes everywhere with you, compliant with the European REACH regulations on nickel, lead and cadmium. As steel is not a precious metal, it does not bear a fineness hallmark, in accordance with standard practice.

For you if you like black, minimalist jewelry, or for someone who prefers discretion to bright colors. Stainless steel is hypoallergenic and complies with REACH regulations: it suits most sensitive skin.