These dangle and drop earrings with black onyx pair a classic form with the striking depth of the stone. Two black onyx cabochons absorb light and return it as a quiet, velvety sheen - no reflections, no scatter, just pure, concentrated black. Around each stone runs a border of 28 cubic zirconia, whose brilliance sharpens the contrast and gives the earrings a fine jewellery character.

Every black onyx is assessed before setting - what matters is colour uniformity and surface clarity, because these determine the depth of the black. Good onyx is increasingly hard to source today, and silver prices are rising, so this price remains genuinely reasonable. The metal is refined European sterling silver 925, stamped with the French maker's mark - the alloy contains no nickel or other sensitising additives, so the piece does not cause allergic reactions. Rhodium deposited on the surface protects the silver against tarnishing and dulling, which means less cleaning day to day.

The black of onyx has long been associated with self-assurance and strength of character - an association that sits well with a classic, decisive look. The earrings look particularly striking against a fair complexion and dark hair, paired with a pastel trench coat and a silk scarf in a cream or powder tone. A light-coloured bag and a clean neckline let the black of the stone draw the eye.