Before making a big purchase, such as luxury jewelry, research is key. If you don’t have the chance to go into a Van Cleef & Arpels boutique, sometimes online research is the best way to go.
With all the different Van Cleef collections, various stones are used, and one of the popular stone choices is black onyx. Here is everything you need to know about black onyx jewelry.
About Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
Van Cleef & Arpels, often shortened to VCA or Van Cleef, was founded in 1906 in Paris. The maison is renowned for its instantly recognizable collections, such as the Alhambra or Perlée Collection.
One of the brand's greatest selling points is its creative angle. Each collection perfectly merges luxury with a fantastical portrayal of the natural world. The jewelry pieces incorporate motifs from nature, reimagined into Van Cleef’s signature dreamy and elevated aesthetic.
The company uses a lot of different stones within its jewelry, including mother of pearl, diamonds, and of course, black onyx.
Current Van Cleef & Arpels Collections
The current Van Cleef & Arpels collections include:
- Alhambra Collection
- Flora Collection
- Fauna Collection
- Frivole Collection
- Perlée Collection
- Zodiaque Collection
About Black Onyx
Van Cleef & Arpels Black Onyx
Van Cleef & Arpels mainly uses Brazilian onyx, which is a high-quality stone with a reflective quality. In order to get the richest form of onyx, the maison specifically selects stones with the deepest available shade of black. This contrasts much better with the brand’s metals and has a more luxurious aesthetic.
What Is Black Onyx?
Black onyx is a semi-precious stone with a deep black color. It was particularly popular during the 1930s for Art Deco jewelry, thanks to its ability to create a high-contrast look up against any metal.
It is a variety of stone that comes Chalcedony, which is a silicate mineral mostly made from calcite. It is similar in composition to marble or granite.
Some onyx has ‘veins’ on the black base, which creates a sort of marble pattern.
Does Black Onyx Scratch Easily?
If you are not careful, then black onyx can get scratched. Onyx has a 7 rating on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Onyx is a durable stone and when looked after properly, it shouldn’t crack or get damaged easily.
How To Look After Black Onyx?
In order to protect your onyx jewelry, it is best to store is in a fabric-lined box on its own, away from other jewelry.
If you want to clean your black onyx jewelry yourself, stay away from regular household cleaners as these can be too powerful and acidic. With a soft, damp cloth, apply a small amount of mild soap to wipe down the onyx with a light pressure. Make sure the soap is pH-neutral beforehand.
However, to be safe, it is best to consult a professional if your jewelry needs a deeper clean.
Black onyx is safe to go in water, but just to err on the side of caution, we would always recommend not keeping it in submerged in water for long.
Where To Buy Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry?
If you are looking to update your jewelry collection, myGemma is a great place to look. Offering a range of luxury jewelry from big designer names such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and more, myGemma has something for everyone.
One of the perks shopping at myGemma is that each item is expertly authenticated before reaching our website and app. We guarantee authenticity or your money back. We have an in-house team of authenticators with years of experience within their category.
Aside from jewelry, myGemma also sells designer handbags, watches, and more. myGemma is your go-to for all things authenticated designer accessories.
For first access to hot new-in arrivals, download the myGemma app.
How To Sell Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry Online?
Not looking to buy? Perhaps you have Van Cleef & Arpels that you are looking to sell instead. In which case, look no further than myGemma. It is the quickest and easiest way to sell your luxury jewelry. Read what our customers have to say to see for yourself.
To start your selling journey, simply fill out the online form. A member of the myGemma team will be in contact with a price quote. From price quote to payment it can take as little as 24 hours.
Selling your designer accessories to myGemma makes a positive contribution towards a circular economy. In partnership with Ecologi, we plant a tree every time you buy or sell at myGemma.
