The deep purple of three garnets catches the eye from the very first glance at this bracelet. The minimalist vermeil form doesn't distract from the stone - the band stays narrow and light on the wrist, with the garnets set at a regular rhythm. The faceted cut breaks light into small flashes that bring out the stone's dark hue, whereas a cabochon cut would have sealed it under a smooth, uniform surface. Here the garnet reveals itself fully, showing a different shade of purple with every facet.

We assess each of the three garnets before setting, looking at colour depth and clarity, since these determine the final effect. Precious metals are getting more expensive and good stones are increasingly hard to source, so this bracelet at its current price is a sound choice today. A sterling silver 925 core is covered here with a layer of 18-carat gold of European craftsmanship - it's the gold, not the silver, that touches the skin, and the V mark stamped on the piece confirms compliance with the vermeil standard. The piece is signed with a maker's mark registered at the French assay office, which attests to the origin of the metal. The gold layer and the refined European silver beneath it form an alloy free of allergenic additives, so you can wear the bracelet without worrying about irritation. The bracelet measures 18 cm, with an adjustable 4 cm extension chain to fit your wrist.

It works best in total black - a black turtleneck or a simple black top with a slightly rolled-up sleeve makes the backdrop against which the garnets become the sole point of colour. A sleeve that reveals the wrist lets the stones catch the light with every gesture of the hand. This is a bracelet for outfits where the form stays simple and the stone does the talking for the rest of the look.