How to Tell Real Onyx from Fake: A Practical Guide
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Black onyx is one of the most popular stones in men's jewelry, and also one of the most imitated. Here are simple checks you can do at home.
1. Touch
Natural stone feels cool and warms up slowly in your hand. Plastic warms up quickly.
2. Weight
Stone beads feel noticeably heavier than plastic beads of the same size.
3. Small differences
Natural beads are rarely identical. Slight variations in shine and shape are normal. Perfectly identical beads can be a warning sign.
4. Look at the edges
Onyx is opaque. If light shows through the edges of a bead with a brownish tint, it may be glass.
5. Ask about treatment
Much of the black onyx on the market is agate or chalcedony dyed black. This is common, but a good seller will tell you.
Please do not scratch a piece to test it, as you can damage it. Keep jewelry away from water and perfume.
See our onyx pieces: Black Onyx & Hematite Bracelet, Matte Black Onyx & Green Jade Bracelet and Matte Black Onyx & Tiger Eye Necklace.