14K Gold Black Onyx Earrings - Rope Bezel, 14x19mm Oval
-
Estimated Delivery:Oct 01 - Oct 05
-
Free shipping on all orders above £30
14K Gold Black Onyx Earrings - Rope Bezel, 14x19mm Oval
Black Onyx Earrings - Large Ovals in a Twisted Rope Bezel
A large oval black onyx cabochon on each ear, 14 x 19mm, sitting inside a bezel finished with a twisted rope of gold running the whole way round the stone. The rope is the piece: a continuous braided line catching light in short repeated flashes where a plain rim would give one long highlight, so the gold sparkles against a stone that cannot. These are the largest earrings in our onyx group and, at 5.18 grams for the pair, the heaviest - though over half of that is stone rather than metal. 14k solid gold, on posts with butterfly backs.
Rope or cable bezels are hand work. The wire has to be twisted evenly, bent to an oval without the twist opening out at the curves, and soldered down so the join disappears into the pattern - which is why the technique tends to appear on pieces where the maker had time, and why it commanded a premium even when it was common. Set against a completely plain black dome it does the entire decorative job of the earring on its own.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | 14k (585) solid gold, hallmarked |
| Gemstone | 2 black onyx oval cabochons |
| Stone Size | 14 x 19mm each - the largest here |
| Weight | 5.18g for the pair, including the stones |
| Setting | Bezel with a hand-twisted gold rope surround |
| Fitting | Post with butterfly back, for pierced ears |
| Style | Substantial, decorative, occasion piece |
Onyx takes its name from the Greek onux, meaning fingernail or claw. The myth runs that Cupid clipped his sleeping mother Venus's fingernails with an arrowhead and left the parings scattered on the sand, and because nothing of a goddess may perish the Fates turned them into stone. Beyond the story, onyx has one of the longest working lives of any material in jewellery: Roman signet rings were cut from it because it takes a crisp intaglio and releases hot wax cleanly, and the Victorians made it the stone of formal mourning, which is where its association with dignity and composure comes from. A grounded, quietly serious gift for her. More motif meanings at JewelMotif™ · Watch & read: Why We Wear Protective Jewellery
Onyx is banded chalcedony, a form of microcrystalline quartz, and in nature its bands are usually white and grey rather than solid black. Almost all the black onyx in the world jewellery trade is grey chalcedony that has been soaked in a sugar solution and then in acid, which carbonises the sugar inside the stone and turns it a permanent, even black. The Romans were doing this two thousand years ago and it has been standard ever since. It is a change to the stone itself rather than a coating, it does not fade or rub off, and no one in the trade regards it as a fault. We say so plainly rather than letting the word natural do quiet work it has not earned.
FAQs
1. How large are they?
The stone alone is 14 x 19mm, with the rope bezel outside that - close to two centimetres tall on the ear. These are the biggest earrings in our onyx group and are meant to be seen.
2. What is a rope bezel?
A rim finished with twisted gold wire rather than a smooth band. It has to be twisted evenly, curved without the twist unwinding, and joined invisibly, so it is significantly more hand work than a plain setting.
3. Is the black natural?
The chalcedony is natural; the solid black comes from the sugar and acid treatment standard since Roman times. It is permanent and part of the stone rather than a surface coating.
4. Are they heavy on the ear?
Less than they look. 5.18 grams for the pair, so around two and a half grams an ear - the heaviest earrings in our onyx group, but only because they are the largest. More than half that weight is stone rather than gold, and they sit flat on a post rather than hanging, which spreads the load across the lobe. Comfortable for a full evening.
5. How should onyx be cared for?
Warm soapy water and a soft cloth, then dry fully. Onyx is quartz at 7 on the hardness scale so it takes daily wear, but avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam and household chemicals, and take it off before bleach or strong cleaning products. Store away from harder stones. For the gold, see our Gold Care Card, and our hallmark guide explains the 585 mark.
How to Style the Rope Bezel Onyx Earrings
Black against yellow gold is the most reliable contrast in jewellery - it works with every colour you own and reads formal or casual depending on what else you wear. Explore the full 14k and 18k Gold collection, browse more Earrings, or visit JewelBuild™.
PROS: Precious metal, Elegant glow, Luxurious feel, Perfect for gifting
CONS: May scratch, Needs gentle care, Soft by nature, Store separately
- Weight: Varies by design
- Authenticity: Hallmarked
- Quality Check: Material verified
- Tested: Diamond tester for gemstone
- Gift‑Ready: Perfect for gifting
- Care Free: Jewellery cleaning cloth included
More Information:
More about jewellery
JewelCare · 14k / 18k Gold
Fine gold does not tarnish, but it scratches and dulls without attention.
Store separately — gold marks against other metals
Clean warm water, mild soap, soft brush, dry well
Remove for sport, cleaning and gardening
Avoid chlorine, bleach and ultrasonic cleaners
Free JewelGift in every order · Start with JewelBuild · FAQ
