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Stoney Bracelets
Since 2019, we have been making handmade gemstone bracelets for 20,000+ customers. Onyx is the stone men choose when they want a bracelet that goes unnoticed but always looks good.

Onyx is chalcedony—a variety of quartz that is perfectly matte black due to its dense crystal structure. No patterns, no shine, no light effects. This is why onyx is not dominant, but subtly present. It is the stone for men who have style but don't want to make a statement.

An onyx bracelet for men fits into two situations: if you truly want something dark that matches everything, or if your watch is silver or steel and you want more contrast. Otherwise, onyx is actually less interesting than obsidian or hematite.

In this guide, you will learn when onyx should be your choice, how to combine it with your watch, what size you need, and how to maintain it. We also compare onyx with three other dark stones so you can be sure this is the right choice.

Dark gemstone bracelet on the wrist, onyx and hematite, subtle and businesslike
Onyx is matte. No shine. No pattern. Pure black.
Onyx Properties
Color Matte Black
Hardness 6.5–7 Mohs
Special Feature No Pattern

For what type of man does onyx work?

Onyx is not for everyone. It's a stone that only works if you truly understand what you need it for. Here is the table that will help you.

Type of Man Does Onyx Work? Better Alternative
I want something dark, no matter what No. Onyx is too subtle if you want variety. Obsidian (glossy) or lava stone (texture)
My watch is silver/steel. I want contrast. Yes. Onyx provides maximum contrast without detracting from your watch. Perfect choice
I want something that matches everything: business, casual, evening Yes. Onyx is neutral enough for any occasion. Perfect choice
I want a lot of style and impact with my bracelet No. Onyx is deliberately subtle. This is not your stone. Tiger's Eye or red lava

Onyx with your watch

This is probably the only question that truly matters: what does onyx look like next to your watch? Here's an overview.

Watch Type Onyx Impression Score
Silver or stainless steel (classic) Maximum contrast. White metal + matte black = significant visual separation. Your wrist feels brighter. 9/10
DLC or black (modern/sporty) Together with your watch. Onyx doesn't add much. It feels like one black mass. 6/10
Gold or rose gold (warm) Too harsh a contrast. Onyx takes away the warmth of your watch. It feels uncomfortable. 4/10
No watch Onyx also works alone. Subtle, without competition. 8/10
Obsidian bracelet on the wrist, similar dark stone to onyx but with shine
Dark stones side by side: onyx (matte) is not the same as obsidian (glossy).

The four dark stones compared

Onyx, obsidian, hematite, and lava stone are all black. But they feel completely different. Here's why you would choose onyx—and why not.

Onyx
Onyx Matte

Perfectly matte, no shine, no texture. The most "clean" black. Works in every moment and adapts. Subtle to the point that some find it boring.

Onyx Collection
Obsidian
Obsidian Glossy

Volcanic glass with natural luster. Feels much more vibrant than onyx. You can see the light on it. Perfect middle ground between onyx and lava stone.

Obsidian Collection
Hematite
Hematite Metallic

Iron oxide with a subtle metallic sheen. Feels heavier than it is. More "designed" than onyx, less natural-looking.

Hematite Collection
Lava Stone
Lava Stone Textured

Porous volcanic rock. Lots of texture and visual depth. The most "designer"-like. Perfect if you want something that stands out.

Lava Stone Collection

"I thought onyx would feel 'broken,' but it just feels perfect. Not flashy. Not strange. Just right."

– Maarten, Eindhoven

Care

Onyx is relatively soft (6.5–7 on the Mohs scale). This means it can get scratches if you're not careful. Here's how to maintain it.

Situation What To Do
Cleaning (monthly) Lukewarm water with soap. Do not scrub. Gently massage dry. Onyx prefers more moist hands.
Water (shower, swimming) Fine. Salt water (sea) is OK. Chlorine from swimming pools is also fine. Dry it afterwards.
Perfume, aftershave Avoid prolonged contact. The alcohol can damage the elastic, not the stones themselves.
Storage Dry environment. Not in extreme heat or cold. No direct sun for months at a time.
The elastic Elastic breaks. Normal. We replace it for free.

Choosing a size

This is crucial. Too small feels uncomfortable. Too large will fall off your wrist. Here's how to measure.

  • Measure your wrist with a tape measure (inside of the wrist, where your watch sits)
  • Add 1.5 cm (that's the space you need to comfortably slide)
  • That is your size
  • Example: 17 cm wrist + 1.5 cm = 18.5 cm bracelet (round up to 19 cm)
  • When in doubt, choose larger. You can always tighten it with the elastic
Tiger's eye and obsidian bracelet combination on the wrist, warm and cool contrast
Different stones, different moments. Onyx is for when you want to say nothing.
Onyx Collection

View Our Onyx Bracelets

Matte black. Handmade in the Netherlands. Custom-sized.

View onyx 20,000+ customers · 1,800+ reviews · 4.8 average
What is the difference between onyx and obsidian? +
Onyx is chalcedony (crystalline stone) that is perfectly matte. Obsidian is volcanic glass with a natural luster. Visually, onyx feels "more black" (because no light is reflected), while obsidian has more life. Both are beautiful, but for different reasons.
Can I wear onyx every day? +
Yes. Onyx is hard enough (6.5–7 Mohs) for daily wear. Just be careful not to subject it to hard knocks or friction with rough materials. Showering, the swimming pool, your work—everything is fine.
Does onyx get blacker or does it fade? +
Onyx does not fade, but it can become dull due to the accumulation of dirt and dust. Cleaning it with soap and water will restore its full black luster. This is normal. It doesn't mean your stone is broken.
What size should I choose? +
Measure your wrist where your watch sits, add 1.5 cm, and you have your size. A 17 cm wrist = 18.5 cm (round up to 19 cm). When in doubt, choose larger. You can always adjust it with the elastic.
How long does the elastic last? +
On average 1–3 years, depending on how often you wear the bracelet and how careful you are. The elastic will break—that is normal wear and tear. We replace it for free. Send in your bracelet or request a replacement kit.
Onyx Obsidian Hematite Men's Collection Minimalist Business