Onyx has been treasured for centuries across Asia, North and South America and traded as a precious stone in all parts of earth. With its unique milky white agate formed by natural rhythmic crystallization contrasting its background color, this stone possesses a strong character and mystical aura, fascinating mankind ever since. From miners to merchants, Onyx has shaped the fate of many people, as a precious trading commodity and inspired an abundance of mystic tales across cultures.
Venus and Cupid Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini (1674-1741).
The most well-known Greek mythical legend goes that one day, Cupid/Amor, the god of love, used one of his arrows to cut the fingernails of his mother Venus. As her nails fell from Mount Olympus into the sacred Indus river, they metamorphosed into Onyx as they were believed to be divine. In ancient Greek, onyx means the nail of a claw or finger.
Chinese Pixiu, considered a powerful protector of practitioners of Feng Shui.
The Chinese also believed in the power of this stone, as black onyx is considered very protective and grounding for its holder used especially in Feng Shui. This precious stone is known for the energy of strong support, stamina, and determination to help one’s persevere.
It is said to teach the wearer to rely on own powers; which is then often crafted as traditional wealth bracelets and amulets.
Durga, the mother goddess, protector of the righteous and destroyer of evil.
In ancient Indian and Persian tales Onyx is referred to as a protector from evil. The Indian gemologists describe onyx as a protector for harmonious relationships. The stones’ close union and yet strong contrast between the layers of black and white are considered symbolizing for the love between two people.
Even in astrological terms; it was believed Onyx to give power and courage and assigned onyx to the star signs of Leo and Capricorn, which were known as the most ambitious signs according to the Zodiac at that time.
No matter which of the stories around this mystical stone fascinates you the most, every wearer of black Onyx holds a unique connection with the stone. At MYKU, our quest is to find the most unique pieces around the world. We will then work with our craftsman who are trained to cut the stones to reveal the ‘inner’ beauty of the stone by rigorously removing the top layers with highest precision. It continues to captivate us today when we are encasing the most charismatic ones into our timepieces. We hope that each watch will find their unique owners.