Faceted black onyx opens up a deep, matte black hue that catches the light in tiny glints along the facet edges as it moves. The minimalist setting keeps the focus on the stone - the silver pendant has a simple, geometric silhouette and a calm line that sits well at the neckline. In old jewellery tradition, onyx was linked with strength, resilience and self-confidence, making it a fitting choice for a gift with a personal message.

We select the stone for this pendant for its even, deep black colour free of discolouration, giving the piece a consistent, uniform character while keeping the price reasonable. Good gemstones are becoming harder to source today, which makes a purchase like this worth making now. Refined European silver 925 is coated with a layer of rhodium, a hard metal resistant to scratching, so the shine stays bright and clear for years and the surface neither tarnishes nor dulls. The alloy is free of nickel and other allergy-triggering additives, so the pendant can be worn without worrying about skin irritation. The chain bears the maker's mark struck on the piece, registered with the French assay office, which attests to the origin of the metal.

The simple form of this pendant pairs well with urban casual looks - a white shirt worn open under a leather jacket, or a loose sweater with jeans. Onyx at the neckline draws the eye with a bold, dark accent, contrasting against a light shirt or a plain turtleneck. It also works well in the evening with a black dress, where the stone's matte black plays against the cool shine of the rhodium-plated silver. At 0.8 g, the pendant stays light and comfortable for everyday wear.