Onyx - 8-Inch

Frequently asked questions

• What is an 8-inch onyx strand for?

  An 8-inch strand is the bracelet-length cut of the same onyx Dakota stocks in 16-inch design strands. It's sized for a single stretch bracelet, a wrap, or stacking multiple strands without leftover beads. The 16-inch strand is the trade-standard length for designers stringing necklaces or building inventory; the 8-inch is convenient for one-off bracelet builds, sample work, or batching identical bracelets in a production run. Same mineralogy, same cut options, same drill — just half the length. Strand length tolerance can vary by a few millimeters; check the listing for the listed bead count when planning a specific build.
• How many onyx beads per 8-inch strand?

  Approximate counts at common sizes: ~50 beads at 4mm, ~33 at 6mm, ~25 at 8mm, ~20 at 10mm, and ~16 at 12mm. Exact counts vary with the cut (faceted rondelles sit thinner than rounds), bead calibration, and drill-hole spacing. For a standard 7-inch stretch bracelet you typically need around 23–24 beads at 8mm or 30–31 at 6mm, leaving a small margin for cord knot and stretch. the listing lists the actual bead count per strand for that SKU — use that figure when planning a build rather than the size-based estimate.
• What jewelry uses 8-inch onyx strands best?

  8-inch onyx strands are sized for stretch bracelets on elastic cord, multi-strand stacks, memory-wire wraps, and beaded watch bands. The black color reads cleanly against silver, gunmetal, gold, rose gold, and oxidized findings, which makes onyx a workhorse for men's bracelets and unisex stacks. Faceted rounds and faceted rondelles add light catch for dressier pieces; smooth rounds and plain rondelles work for casual or layered stacks. The 4mm and 6mm sizes pair well as spacers between larger feature beads; 8mm and 10mm carry a bracelet on their own.
• Does Dakota carry onyx in 16-inch strands?

  Yes. The 16-inch onyx assortment is at /collections/onyx-gemstone-beads and carries the design-strand length for necklaces, longer multi-wrap bracelets, and production runs where you want fewer strand-ends to manage. Cuts and sizes overlap heavily between the two lengths, though the 16-inch collection generally has broader size and shape coverage since it's the trade-standard format. If you're matching beads across a necklace-and-bracelet set, source both from the same length when possible, or check the listings to confirm the same SKU is offered in both lengths.
• What cuts and treatments apply to onyx 8-inch?

  The 8-inch onyx assortment is mostly round and rondelle, with faceted rounds, faceted rondelles, coins, ovals, squares, and rectangles also stocked. Black onyx in the bead trade is typically dyed chalcedony — the deep, even black color is achieved through a sugar-and-acid or dye treatment that's standard industry-wide and considered stable. Treatment and dye disclosure should appear on the individual listing; ask before buying if it isn't specified. Onyx is Mohs 6.5–7, durable enough for daily-wear bracelets, and pairs well with hematite, pyrite, lava, and most silver- or gold-tone metal beads.