onyx • 14kt gold filled
Length: 18 inches, 2 inch extension + 2.5in drop
*Styled with the Awakened Earrings*
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Onyx is a banded variety of the oxide mineral chalcedony. It can occur in nearly every color, most commonly with bands of black and/or white. It is a gemstone found in various regions of the world including Yemen, Uruguay, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Indonesia, the UK, and various states in the US. Black Onyx is the most common variety, along with white and red colors. The red variety is known as Sardonyx. The ancient Romans entered battle carrying amulets of Sardonyx engraved with Mars, the god of war. This was believed to bestow courage in battle. In Renaissance Europe, wearing Sardonyx was believed to bestow eloquence. Sardonyx was traditionally used by English midwives to ease childbirth by laying it between the breasts of the mother.
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Gold filled is a less expensive alternative to pure gold jewelry without sacrificing quality and durability. Gold filled jewelry is tarnish resistant and can be worn all the time. Despite its name, gold filled jewelry refers to a process in which a layer of karat gold is heat- and pressure- bonded to a layer of base metal. This process keeps the metal tarnish resistant because it completely covers the surface of the base metal. Gold filled jewelry can be 10kt, 14kt, 18kt, 22kt, and 24kt. It looks like solid gold since its outermost layer is actually gold, however, it is a harder, more durable, and less expensive option than solid gold. Compared to gold plating or vermeil, gold filled jewelry contains 100% more gold, it is generally safe for wearers with allergies to common metals, and it is tarnish resistant. Gold is generally a soft metal; therefore, it should be worn with care to avoid bending, dents, and scratches.
