subject: Gemstones Beads:The Charm Of Onyx Beads [print this page] Onyx beads are a form of semi-precious gemstones that fall in the family of bloodstone and chalcedony. It is a type of quartz that possesses a fine texture in its crystalline form and its structure could be seen in the polarized light. The colors of the bands of onyx beads range from white to all the colors except for purple black and blue. Another variety of onyx beads known as sardonyx or sard display bright red colored bands and thus are extremely popular amongst buyers.
Onyx gems make beautiful accessories for various jewelry designs. Usually cut, shaped and smoothened into different forms of beads these can be used into all sorts of ornaments or fashion accessories. These beads are generally given a dome-like flat shape unlike the multi faced diamonds and other such gemstones such as rubies or emeralds.
Onyx gemstones attained the greatest heights of usability in the Victorian period from 1861 to 1888. This era is known as the "Grand period" for the jewelry industry because the jewelry making touched its zenith during those years. This time is also referred to as the mourning period because the Queen Victoria of The Great Britain suffered the pain of the death of her husband Prince Albert in the year 1861. As usually, black or any such dark color is associated with mourning, onyx beads were greatly used. These beads could be used with all sorts of dark backgrounds to mark the importance of the time.
According to the ancient beliefs, the Roman soldiers were made to wear amulets of sardonyx material with Hercules or God of war engraved on them. It was believed that this would make them powerful, determined and confident in achieving their goals and winning the war. These gemstones were said to possess great eloquence powers and thus many orator or public personalities used to wear these gems during the Renaissance period.
Onyx gemstones are considered to be the birthstone for the people born in the month of February. It holds a great historical as well as utility value. Onyx beads are highly famous amongst people as they form great fashion accessories. Besides jewelry they are used to decorate other accessories as well such as bags, belts, shoes, cushions, etc. People prefer to buy more and more of onyx these days due to their interesting colors, patterns and great contrasting features. These beads can be teamed up with all sorts of formal or casual outfits.
