Absolutely stunning onyx, freshwater pearl & crystal bracelet with heart pendant. Encapsulated glamour. Beautiful & elegant. Toggle clasp. Handmade.

Onyx is a beautiful brilliant black gemstone with a mythological heritage.  The word ‘onyx’ comes from the ancient Greeks.  According to Greek mythology, a mischievous Cupid cut the fingernails of the goddess Venus, while she was sleeping.  The cut nails turned into black stones, which become known as ‘onyx’ the Greek word for ‘nails’ or ‘claws’.

Pearls are formed when a small irritant or parasite penetrates and lodges in the mantle tissue of a mollusc. In response, a substance called nacre is secreted, and the creation of a pearl begins. Nacre is a combination of crystalline and organic substances. The nacre builds ups in layers, as it surrounds the irritant, and after a few years, forms a pearl.

Freshwater pearls are pearls which grow in a non-saline environment. China is the world leader in producing freshwater pearls and has been harvesting them for over 4,000 years. The USA is the other major source. Freshwater pearls appear in a wide variety of shapes and colours. As freshwater pearls are made from solid nacre they are also quite durable, resisting chipping, wear and degeneration.