With its rich, velvety black surface, onyx is one of the most striking gemstones in the world of jewellery. Beyond its beauty, onyx carries deep symbolism, making it a favourite for designers and wearers who seek meaning in their accessories.

What is Onyx?

Onyx is a variety of chalcedony, a form of quartz, known for its uniform black colour. Occasionally, natural onyx can feature white bands, but most jewellery pieces use solid black or dyed onyx to achieve a sleek, dramatic look.

The History and Symbolism of Onyx

Onyx has been used in jewellery and carvings for thousands of years. In ancient civilizations:

Greeks and Romans believed onyx could protect against negativity.
Victorian jewellery often featured onyx as a symbol of mourning and remembrance.
In spiritual traditions, onyx is thought to promote emotional strength, grounding, and protection.

Why Onyx is Popular in Jewellery

1. Bold, Timeless Aesthetic
   Onyx’s deep black tone makes it a powerful design element. It contrasts beautifully with gold, silver, and coloured gemstones, making it incredibly versatile.
2. Symbolic Strength
   Many choose onyx for its association with confidence, self-control, and resilience.
3. Perfect for Statement & Everyday Pieces
   From bold statement earrings to simple studs, onyx suits both dramatic and minimalist designs.

The Emotional Appeal of Onyx

Wearing onyx isn’t just a style choice — it’s often seen as a personal talisman for grounding and protection, making it a meaningful addition to any jewellery collection.

A Modern Take on a Classic Stone

While onyx has a long history, contemporary designers like Joanna Salmond give it fresh life with modern settings, playful textures, and mixed materials. Onyx jewellery today feels chic, elegant, and effortlessly wearable.

Sterling silver has been a beloved material in jewellery for centuries. Its soft shine, timeless appeal, and versatility make it a staple for designers like Joanna Salmond, who pairs it with semi-precious stones and pearls to create everyday treasures.

Let’s explore why sterling silver remains a classic, and how it adds beauty and durability to your jewellery collection.

What is Sterling Silver?

Pure silver is too soft for functional jewellery, so it’s combined with other metals (usually copper) to enhance its strength. Sterling silver is made of:

• 92.5% pure silver
• 7.5% other metals (usually copper)

You’ll often see sterling silver stamped with “925”, indicating its silver content.

Why People Love Sterling Silver

1. Timeless Aesthetic
   Sterling silver has a natural, understated beauty. Its bright, clean finish complements any outfit, from casual wear to formal attire.
2. Durability for Daily Wear
   Thanks to its metal alloy composition, sterling silver is strong enough for everyday jewellery — earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces that can withstand regular use.
3. Affordable Luxury
   Sterling silver offers the shine and prestige of a precious metal without the hefty price tag of gold or platinum.
4. Versatility in Design
   Whether it’s polished to a high shine, given a brushed matte finish, or oxidized for a darker tone, sterling silver adapts beautifully to various styles.

Joanna Salmond’s Use of Sterling Silver

Many of Joanna’s iconic designs feature sterling silver as the perfect base for semi-precious stones and pearls. Examples include:

• Silver Peridot Cluster Earrings
• Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings (35mm)
• Onyx and Silver Wave Stack Earrings

These pieces demonstrate how sterling silver can be both modern and timeless.

Is Sterling Silver Hypoallergenic?

For most people, yes. Sterling silver is gentle on the skin. However, individuals sensitive to copper might react if the silver content is too low or if it's mixed with nickel in cheaper alloys (not the case with Joanna Salmond Jewellery).

Caring for Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver can tarnish over time, but this is easily managed:

Store in anti-tarnish cloth or airtight bags.
Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, and household chemicals.
Clean with a silver polishing cloth or mild soapy water.

Sterling Silver: A Sustainable Choice

Silver is a recyclable precious metal, making sterling silver jewellery an eco-friendly choice for those who value sustainability and mindful purchasing.

Written by Joanna Salmond

Pearls are having a moment – again. But this time, it’s not about twin sets and tiaras. In 2025, pearl jewellery is all about effortless elegance, modern shapes, and everyday wear.

At Joanna Salmond Jewellery, pearls are a signature – always timeless, but never predictable. Whether you're dressing up for a wedding or just adding a soft glow to your daily look, there's a pearl piece for you. 

Pearls You Can Actually Wear Every Day

Gone are the days of saving pearls for special occasions. Today’s pearl pieces are light, versatile, and designed to move with you. Try the delicate charm of our Mini Pearl Hoops – Silver for a subtle shimmer, or layer a Serenity Pearl Bracelet with your watch or bangles for an effortless stack. These are pieces that work just as well with a white tee and jeans as they do with a silk blouse. 

Statement Styles That Still Feel Easy

If you love a bold look, pearls can make a statement without shouting. Our Pearl Lace Long Statement Earrings add a soft drama to any outfit, while the Baroque Pearl Necklace is a sculptural showstopper that still feels wearable and organic. These are the kinds of pieces that turn heads — but never feel overdone.

Gemstone Pairings: Modern Texture and Colour 

Some of our favourite designs mix pearls with rich gemstones like onyx, amazonite, and moss agate. The contrast of matte and gloss, bold and subtle, gives the jewellery a unique texture and personality. Try the Onyx and Freshwater Pearl Graphic Necklace or Serenity Pearl Bracelet – Moss Agate for a more contemporary twist on tradition.

Pearls Make Beautiful Gifts 

Pearls are meaningful, classic, and personal – which makes them perfect for gifting. For birthdays, bridesmaids, or just to say thank you, pieces like the Love Heart Pearl Bracelet or Pearl Drop Earrings are beautiful tokens that feel thoughtful and lasting.

The Best Jewellery Is the One That Feels Like You 

There are no rules with pearls anymore – only possibilities. Whether you lean minimalist or love a layered look, find the pieces that speak to your style. Explore the full Pearl Collection to discover modern heirlooms designed to be worn, loved, and lived in.

Gemstones have been worn for centuries — not just for their beauty, but for the feelings and symbolism they carry. Whether you’re drawn to a stone’s colour, energy, or simply how it makes you feel, each one tells a story.

At Joanna Salmond Jewellery, we love working with gemstones that bring subtle meaning into everyday life. Here are four stones we use often – each with its own personality, energy, and charm.

Onyx: Strength and Grounding

Onyx is a deep, matte-black stone that carries a quiet strength. Long associated with protection and resilience, it’s a powerful stone for those navigating change, seeking clarity, or wanting to feel more anchored.

Design-wise, it pairs beautifully with soft pearls for contrast, as seen in the Onyx and Freshwater Pearl Graphic Necklace or the Matt Onyx and Pearl Necklace. The bold tone of onyx makes it an easy way to add depth to any outfit — whether you’re dressing up or keeping things minimal.

Amazonite: Calm and Communication

Known as the “hope stone,” Amazonite is a soothing pale green or turquoise gem that’s believed to calm the nervous system and encourage open, heartfelt communication. It’s often chosen by those who want to speak their truth or bring balance into their day.

Our Serenity Necklace – Amazonite and Pearl captures the gentle energy of this stone perfectly. You’ll also find Amazonite in our Serenity Bracelet range — soft colours, easy to wear, and designed to bring a little more calm into your everyday rhythm.

Jasper: Nurturing and Stability

Jasper is often called the “supreme nurturer.” It’s known for grounding energy, enhancing focus, and supporting slow, steady growth. With its earthy tones and natural patterns, Jasper brings warmth and connection to the natural world.

Look to the Aquaterra Jasper – Silver Ring Bracelet for a beautiful example of this stone in motion — soft ocean hues, handcrafted detail, and a design made to wear on repeat. Jasper’s quiet confidence makes it a lovely everyday companion.

Peridot: Joy and Renewal

Bright, clear green and full of sparkle, Peridot is often associated with happiness, renewal, and fresh energy. It’s thought to clear negative patterns and bring light into your mindset — a beautiful symbol of growth and optimism.

Our Peridot Love Heart Pearl Bracelet – Gold is a joyful little piece that adds colour and meaning in one. Whether you’re celebrating a new chapter or simply need a reminder of brighter days, Peridot offers a gentle, uplifting presence.

Which Stone Speaks to You?

Choosing a gemstone is often an intuitive process — you might be drawn to a colour, a feeling, or a particular story. There’s no wrong choice. The best piece is the one that feels like you.

Browse our Gemstone Jewellery Collection or explore individual pieces to find your perfect match. Each stone holds a quiet kind of meaning — something personal, something beautiful, and something just for you.

One of New Zealand’s most iconic and recognisable uniforms is set for an update. Air New Zealand will be onboarding a new partner to design its uniforms, with expressions of interest (EOI) open from today.

The project will see fresh looks rolled out for pilots, flight attendants, and ground staff, who will provide wearer feedback throughout the process.

Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty says following recent innovations to its inflight offering, Air New Zealand’s eyes are on the future, and it is updating its uniform to align with this vision.

“After 12 years with our current designs, it’s time to revisit and refresh our uniforms to ensure they continue to be a perfect fit for our people and align with our recently announced future cabin experience.

“Alongside our Koru, the Air New Zealand uniform is one of our most important brand assets and is recognised around the world. It is often the first visual representation of New Zealand people travelling to our country see and something that drives immense pride for our people and New Zealanders. It’s important that we continue to ensure our uniform accurately reflects our business, our people, and our country.

“Dame Trelise Cooper’s iconic and much-loved design has served us well and after an incredible tenure, it’s time to pass the baton. And today we are beginning the process to find our next designer. We will build on the current uniform's popularity while creating a future-focused design.

“Most importantly, we’ll be working to ensure the uniform reflects the diverse requirements of our people. A lot has changed since our last uniform update in 2011 and we want to ensure they continue to meet the needs of our teams.

“This is just the start of an exciting journey of creativity and innovation, bringing Aotearoa to life in the uniforms our people wear with pride every day.”

Air New Zealand Chief Sustainability Officer Kiri Hannifin says updating the uniform gives Air New Zealand the opportunity to review the sustainability of its workplace wardrobe.

“Part of our commitment to sustainability is supporting a circular economy. An integral element of the brief is that the fabrics we use have reduced life cycle impacts. Integrating new innovations, particularly around textile recycling, is key.

“As part of this work, we are also researching end of life solutions for our existing uniform to better understand how we can minimise as much as possible waste to landfill.”

Air New Zealand will also be revising its grooming standards as part of this update.

The EOI is open to all New Zealand designers and closes on Sunday 14 May, after which Air New Zealand will invite selected designers to be a part of a competitive pitch process.

Air New Zealand is working toward rolling out new uniforms for its people in 2025.

More information on Air New Zealand’s uniform update can be found here: www.airnewzealand.co.nz/a-future-uniform 

If you're a fashion lover, you know how important it is to have the right accessories to complement your outfits. One of the most popular fashion accessories is the designer bag. Not only do they add a touch of luxury to any outfit, but they also serve a practical purpose. Designer bags are a fashionable investment that can be used for years to come.

Designer bags come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and can be made from various materials such as leather, canvas, and even exotic skins. The most popular designer bags are often those from luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci. However, designer bags from lesser-known brands can also be just as fashionable and functional.

Investing in a designer bag is a wise decision for many reasons. First, they are made from high-quality materials and are often crafted by skilled artisans. This means that they are durable and can last for years, making them a cost-effective investment. Secondly, designer bags hold their value and can even increase in value over time, especially if they are from a limited edition or rare collection.

Another reason to invest in a designer bag is that they are versatile and can be used for any occasion. Whether you're attending a formal event or just running errands, a designer bag can elevate your look and make you feel more confident. They also make great gifts for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays.

If you're looking to invest in a designer bag, Luxury Trade is an excellent place to start your search. Their website, luxurytrade.co.nz, offers a wide selection of designer bags from various brands and in various styles. From classic to trendy, you're sure to find a bag that suits your style and needs.

In conclusion, designer bags are a fashionable and practical investment that can be used for years to come. They are made from high-quality materials, hold their value, and can be used for any occasion. So, whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, investing in a designer bag is definitely worth considering.

New Zealand has always been a country known for its love of luxury and fashion. In recent years, there has been a noticeable surge in the popularity of luxury bags in the country. The rise in demand for high-end bags is not surprising given the quality and exclusivity that these brands provide.

One online destination that has been making waves in the luxury bag scene in New Zealand is Luxury Trade. The website offers a wide range of authentic luxury bags in NZ, including some of the most popular brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, and Prada. The selection is carefully curated and updated frequently to ensure that customers have access to the latest trends in luxury fashion.

One of the reasons that luxury bags continue to be so popular is that they are not only fashionable but also functional. Many of these bags are made with high-quality materials that can withstand wear and tear, making them durable enough to use for many years. They also provide ample space for carrying essentials like phones, wallets, and makeup.

But owning a luxury bag is not just about its functionality. It is also a status symbol that showcases one's personal style and taste. As New Zealand continues to grow its luxury fashion market, owning a luxury bag has become more attainable than ever before.

For those who are looking to invest in a luxury bag, Luxury Trade provides a convenient and secure platform to do so. The website offers a seamless shopping experience, complete with a wide range of payment options and worldwide shipping.

Whether you are looking to add to your luxury bag collection or purchasing your first investment piece, Luxury Trade is the perfect destination for all your luxury bag needs. So why wait? Head over to Luxury Trade's website today and discover the perfect luxury bag that fits your style and personality.

Louis Vuitton handbags are a symbol of luxury and timeless style. They are a favorite among fashion lovers and collectors all over the world. However, buying a new Louis Vuitton handbag can be quite expensive. But, there is a solution for those who want to own a Louis Vuitton handbag without breaking the bank – second hand Louis Vuitton handbags.

LV handbags are a smart choice for anyone looking to purchase a high-quality designer bag at a fraction of the cost. These handbags are pre-owned, but they have been expertly refurbished to ensure they are in good condition and ready to use.

When buying a Louis Vuitton bag, it is important to be mindful of the authenticity of the bag. To ensure you are getting a genuine Louis Vuitton handbag, only purchase from reputable sellers, such as LuxuryTrade. They are dedicated to providing authentic, high-quality second hand Louis Vuitton handbags to their customers.

When selling a second hand Louis Vuitton handbag, it is important to disclose any imperfections or damages, to be transparent about the authenticity, and to provide accurate and detailed photographs of the bag.

In conclusion, buying and selling second hand Louis Vuitton handbags is a smart choice for anyone looking to own a designer handbag without the high cost. When done through a reputable source, like LuxuryTrade, it can be a safe and enjoyable experience for both the buyer and the seller.

Amber bracelets have been a staple in jewelry collections for centuries, and for good reason. Not only are they beautiful, but they also have a rich history and are believed to have healing properties.

Amber is a fossilized tree resin that has been around for millions of years. It's formed by the sap of ancient trees that hardened over time and was buried under layers of soil and rock. Through the process of fossilization, the sap has been transformed into a solid, translucent, and beautiful gemstone. Baltic Amber is known to be the highest quality of amber and it's found in the Baltic Sea region, specifically in Lithuania.

One of the most unique things about amber is its ability to contain inclusions, or tiny creatures, that were trapped in the resin millions of years ago. These inclusions, often small insects or plants, can be seen under magnification and add to the uniqueness of each piece of amber.

Amber bracelets have been used for centuries for their believed healing properties. It's said that amber has the ability to reduce inflammation and pain, making it a popular choice for those experiencing teething pain in infants and arthritis in adults. The warmth from the skin's contact with the amber is thought to release healing oils from the amber, providing a natural form of pain relief.

In addition to its healing properties, amber bracelets also make a beautiful fashion statement. They come in a variety of styles, including polished, raw, and polished with gemstone. The color of amber ranges from light yellow to deep cognac, and each piece is unique in its color and inclusions.

Amber bracelets can be worn alone or paired with an amber necklace for a coordinated look. They also make a great gift for any occasion, as they are timeless and have both aesthetic and healing properties.

When purchasing an amber bracelet, it's important to ensure that it's 100% genuine Baltic amber. Authenticity cards and certificates of origin can also be provided by reputable sellers.

In conclusion, amber bracelets are not just beautiful jewelry, but also have a rich history and are believed to have healing properties. With a wide range of styles and colors, they can be worn alone or paired with an amber necklace, making them a versatile addition to any jewelry collection. Purchase with confidence and select 100% genuine Baltic amber bracelets from reputable sellers.

When it comes to fashion, the trend for years has been to chase after the newest ‘it’ item. This tendency has fed the fast fashion industry for decades, as it enabled consumers to access the latest fashion ‘must-haves’ without the hefty price-tag. But trends change, and modern consumers are far more concerned with balancing being fashion conscious with being environmentally conscious. The shift has led to an exponential growth in the luxury goods market, as more and more consumers seek out second-hand items of higher quality in place of purchasing fast fashion pieces.

The willingness of consumers to spend good money on second-hand luxury items has meant that many top-tier brands are now becoming accessible to consumers via second-hand stores like Luxury Trade that specialise in sourcing top-quality second-hand articles. Of all the brands and luxury fashion pieces finding new life in the second-hand market, none have made as big of a splash as Louis Vuitton.

While the brand has always been popular, its circulation in the second-hand market speaks volumes about its long-confirmed history of high-quality, bespoke products. Louis Vuitton’s ability to be both innovative and classic has meant that its bags have stood the test of time. The different canvas and leather materials, by-hand creation, and limited-edition series that make up the Louis Vuitton brand means that consumers are always guaranteed the highest quality handbags, totes, and purses.

Buying a Louis Vuitton handbag is not just a fashion statement but an investment, as the bags never go out of style and, if cared for well, can be used for generations. Although other brands and fashion items are also incredibly popular in the second-hand arena, Louis Vuitton handbags appear to have cornered the market and are now the ‘it’ fashion item for all consumers looking to make sustainable purchases.

There are a lot of different fabrics – both synthetic and natural – that are used for men’s underwear. The key properties of good underwear material are in its ability to wick moisture; provide comfortability, breathability, and stability; and allow for freedom of movement. To that end, materials like cotton and nylon have led the charge for decades. But now there’s a new(ish) kid on the block in the form of bamboo, which is promising to take over the Australian market.

Bamboo has actually been around for quite some time, but improvements in processing and greater appreciation for its versatility has resulted in its growing popularity over the past few years. As a material, bamboo can compete with the likes of silk with how incredibly soft it is. But unlike silk, it’s far more budget-friendly. Bamboo is also remarkably breathable and possesses natural moisture-wicking properties, making it an ideal choice for men looking for anti-chafing underwear. Aside from its softness and anti-chafing assets, bamboo is hardy, which means with good care, underwear made from this material can last a very long time.

Not only is bamboo exceptionally wearable, but it’s also far more sustainable and eco-friendly than the likes of cotton. That’s because there’s much less interference necessary in regard to the likes of using pesticides and excessive amounts of water when growing bamboo than there is for cotton. Bamboo also grows much quicker and adds oxygen back into the atmosphere at a greater rate than many other types of plants.

The notable increase in mens’ bamboo underwear in Australia is testament to this material’s growing popularity. Due to its many positive qualities – both in terms of wearability and sustainability – it is very possible that bamboo will soon become the primary material of choice for men’s underwear in the future.

When it comes to men’s underwear, the debate used to be between boxers and briefs, with strong proponents in both camps. Times have, however, moved on with the realisation that offering men only two underwear options is about as sane as expecting women to all fit into the same bra size. This change has meant that in the past decade or so, there has been an influx of different underwear styles, including boxer-briefs, trunks, and micro-briefs.

While simply adding a wider range of options is already a step in the right direction, as it enables men to increase their chances of finding good-fitting, budget-friendly, and overall more suitable underwear for different purposes, the increased options haven’t been the greatest development. By all accounts, that honour goes to the creation of the ball hammock (also known as the ball pouch or ball pocket).

Ball hammock underwear can span almost the full range of available style options, but mostly tend to come in the form of boxer-briefs. Basically, a ball hammock is a special pouch that is sewn into the front of the underwear that is specifically designed to keep a man’s crown jewels separate from his thighs. What this means is that men who wear ball hammock underwear are better able to keep their testicular area cooler than their average body temperature (which helps to maintain ideal testicle and sperm health). Ball hammocks also offer a greater level of security and comfort, making it easier to move around without the need to constantly reposition or worry about chafing.

While the debate may forever continue raging as to what constitutes the absolute ‘best’ underwear for men, the reality is that men want to feel comfortable, move freely, and look good. Regardless of cut or style, a ball hammock allows men to have all three.