14K Gold Black Onyx Studs - Four Claw Setting, 8x10mm

Black Onyx Stud Earrings - Oval Cabochons in Four Gold Claws

An oval black onyx cabochon on each ear, 8 x 10mm, held by four slim gold claws that grip the stone at its corners and leave the sides of it open. Where a bezel encircles a stone completely, claws lift it slightly clear of the metal and let you see the curve of the dome from the side as well as the top. The pair weighs 1.47 grams in 14k solid gold - the lightest onyx pair we have - on posts with butterfly backs.

Claws on an opaque stone are a slightly unusual choice and a good one. On a transparent gem, claws exist to let light in from below; on onyx there is no light to let in, so the reason here is purely visual - four small bright points of gold breaking up an otherwise unbroken black outline, and a setting that reads lighter than the same stone in a solid rim. Less metal, more shape.

FAQs

1. Are these bezel-set or claw-set?
Claw-set - four slim gold claws holding each stone at the corners, with the sides left open. If you have seen these described as bezel-set anywhere, that was our error and this listing is the correction.

2. Are claws secure on an opaque stone?
Yes. Four claws is the standard secure setting for a cabochon of this size, and the stone sits down into a seat below them rather than resting on the claws alone. The usual sense applies: check the claws once a year, as with any claw-set piece.

3. Is the black natural?
The chalcedony is natural; the solid black comes from a sugar and acid treatment used since Roman times. It is permanent, sits within the stone, and is standard for essentially all black onyx.

4. How light are they?
1.47 grams for the pair - the lightest onyx studs we sell, and among the lightest earrings in the collection. Comfortable for all-day wear and for a second piercing.

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 Claw-Set Onyx Studs

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™.