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The Angelica Onyx ring is a beautiful example of monochrome jewellery done in modern, minimalist style. It features a precision set Onyx inlay on silky Sterling Silver. I like the width of its band and the generous cut of its Onyx inlay. Its androgynous vibe is also a definite plus!

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This pair is the Midnight Earrings from Chanel’s CafeSociety collection. It is made of White Gold, White Diamonds and carved Onyx. It’s very Art Deco, with circles being the dominant geometric form in its design. Needless to say, it is an exquisite piece of jewellery.

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In addition to Matelassé and Equestrian motifs, Coco Chanel was also a fan of Ribbon Motifs. This is why many Chanel collections have featured Ribbon (Ruban) motifs with this being one of the finest. This Ruban couture ring is made of White Gold and White & black Diamonds.

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This black and white Diamond bracelet by Degrisogono is decadent and glamorous. We see raised swirls of white pavé set diamonds swimming on a sea of sparkly black ice. It may not be everyone’s cuppa tea but it is absolutely beautiful!

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This is the Fuseau ring by Vhernier. Like many of the designs above, it features white and black Diamonds. However, there’s no denying that black diamonds are the star of the show. Sure this ring is covered entirely in Diamonds but the showcase side of the ring (the side that shows on the back of the palm) is covered in pavé set black Diamonds, highlighted beautifully by the sea of white diamonds that surround them.

This pricey cocktail ring has many interesting features not least of which is its shape.

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This is a fine monochrome ladies watch designed by Piaget. Its black dial is nicely framed by 2 overlapping floral shapes set with white baguette-cut Diamonds. This watch has so much going for it. With its feminine design, Diamonds and white Gold, its monochrome palette takes its beauty and timelessness to a whole new level.

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This pair from the Mastoloni signature collection is simply exquisite. Its South Sea Pearls sits on fanned swirls of white and black diamonds. By combining Pearls and diamonds in this way, this piece evokes both opulence and feminine elegance. It also has a very contemporary feel as its fans have the look of monochrome stripes. All in all, a beautiful and timeless design.

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Last but not least is this Bvlgari Black Pearl and Diamond brooch. The body of the brooch has an ornate snowflake design covered in white diamonds and a circular black pearl. Its centerpiece however, is the Black Pearl briolette. With its shimmery black-grays, the briolette adds a very classic, feminine touch to the design. And here again we see black as the centerpiece colour of monochrome jewellery.

Postscript

These designs, along with the enduring trendiness of monochrome in fashion, shatter that old notion that black is a dull, boring colour. With Onyx, we get a cool, richly-toned black. With Black Diamonds, we get glittery, sparkling blacks. And with Black Pearls, we get luxuriously soft black-grays. When worked into jewellery, these gems show us just how beautiful and diverse black can be.