Art Deco began as an art movement in the 1920's and 1930's and is essentially a style of decoration expressing the sleekness of the machine age. It consists principally of geometrical designs, often in the form of parallel straight lines, zigzags, chevrons and stylized floral motifs. But the streamlined styling of modern technology combines with patterns and icons taken from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome along with influences from Mayan and Aztec cultures.
These earrings combine the Art Deco form with Onyx, a chalcedony quartz which was a favorite stone with the ancient Greeks. The name comes from the Greek word "onux," which means fingernail. In Greek mythology onyx was formed when Eros clipped the goddess Venus' fingernails while she was sleeping and scattered them on the beaches of the Earth. The Fates turned the fingernails to stone so that no part of the heavenly body would ever perish.
Onyx is the alternate birthstone for February and the Mystical birthstone for the month of December.
Our Sterling Silver Art Deco Black Onyx Drop Earrings combine ancient legend with modern design.
