This vintage bracelet with black onyx plays on deep contrast between the stone's matte black and the cool gleam of silver. Seven onyxes in a cabochon cut form a rhythmic chain - the smooth, domed surface doesn't catch stray reflections, instead gathering one muted light along the whole length of the bracelet. Sourcing stones this even in colour and clarity is an increasingly difficult task today - a piece with such uniform black is easy to miss, and a second like it doesn't come along often. The form draws on old, substantial designs, and the size marked as very big underscores their character.

Each onyx is hand-selected for depth of colour, and with rising silver prices and good stones becoming ever scarcer, this purchase makes sense already today. Refined sterling silver 925, with a high-purity alloy, contains no nickel or other irritating additives, so even sensitive skin wears this bracelet without irritation. A rhodium layer protects the surface against tarnishing and scratches, keeping the shine bright and lasting for years. The piece is stamped with a maker's mark registered at the French assay office, confirming the metal's origin and the quality of European craftsmanship. Onyx has long been associated with strength, endurance and self-confidence - worn on the wrist, it recalls these qualities with every movement of the hand. The bracelet measures 18 cm, and an adjustable 4 cm extension allows it to be fitted to different wrist sizes.

Day to day, it pairs well with a layered, weekend style: an oversized sweater in cool grey, a scarf thrown over the top and a calm, muted colour palette. A sleeve rolled up to mid-forearm reveals the bracelet's cuff and lets the black of the onyx play against the texture of knitwear. In winter it works well with a chunky turtleneck sweater, in summer with a linen shirt and rolled sleeve - in both cases, it's the onyx that draws the eye to the hand.