Sterling Silver and Black Onyx Disc Bead Necklace

This is a contemporary-style necklace composed of uniform, flat round disc-shaped beads crafted from polished black onyx. The beads exhibit a high gloss finish with deep, consistent opaque black coloration typical of high-quality dyed onyx. Each disc bead is side-drilled and hand-strung, with visible knots between each bead to prevent rubbing and ensure security if the strand breaks. Interspersed near the clasp area is at least one visible sterling silver bead, providing a metallic contrast and serving as a structural component for the closure system. The necklace measures approximately 18 to 20 inches in length, sitting at the princess or matinee position on the wearer. The craftsmanship is refined, with the edges of the onyx discs appearing smooth and well-finished. No significant chips, cracks, or surface scratches are immediately visible on the stones, suggesting a well-maintained condition. The metal components, specifically the silver bead and clasp assembly, show a light patina consistent with sterling silver. The overall aesthetic is minimalist and modern, likely dating from the late 20th century to the present. The uniform size of the hand-cut stones indicates professional lapidary work.

I have performed a visual examination of the black onyx and sterling silver disc bead necklace. The piece features uniform, highly polished onyx discs with exceptional luster and consistent saturation. Based on the provided images, the beads appear to be professionally hand-knotted on black silk cord, which is a hallmark of quality that prevents stone-on-stone abrasion. The sterling silver components exhibit a light patina consistent with .925 fineness, and the lapidary work on the discs shows a high degree of precision. In terms of market conditions, contemporary gemstone bead necklaces of this style are currently in steady demand for minimalist everyday wear. Competitively priced comparables in boutique and secondary markets typically range between $100 and $250. The value is primarily driven by the labor-intensive hand-knotting and the uniformity of the stone cuts rather than material rarity, as black onyx is relatively abundant. A significant factor impacting value is the excellent condition; I observed no visible chips or 'fleabites' on the sharp edges of the disc beads. However, there are inherent limitations to this digital appraisal. I cannot definitively confirm if the onyx has undergone heat treatment or dyeing, which is common for this stone. Furthermore, I cannot verify the '925' hallmark or metal purity without a physical acid test or XRF analysis. A complete authentication would require a tactile inspection to check stringing tension and a loupe examination of the drill holes for potential stress fractures not visible in photographs.