Two tiger's eye cabochons in these earrings catch the light in bands of gold and brown that deepen into a rich, walnut hue. The silky sheen of this quartz variety brings out the distinctive cat's eye effect - a narrow, shifting flash visible with every turn of the head. The stud shape is simple and minimalist, with no unnecessary elements, so all the attention stays on the colour of the stone itself. Tiger's eye has for generations been associated with stability, and in some traditions with regeneration and resilience - an association, not a property, but one that lends the earrings extra symbolic weight.

Each stone is examined carefully before it is set, and we choose only those specimens whose banding is clear and regular - which is how high quality goes hand in hand with a sensible price. Good stones of this kind are becoming harder to find, and silver prices are rising, which makes this purchase a sound move today. The setting is refined sterling silver 925 of European quality, coated with a layer of rhodium - a hard metal that protects the surface from tarnishing and scratches, so the shine lasts longer and needs less frequent cleaning. It is a pure alloy free of allergenic additives, so the earrings can be worn without worry of irritation. The piece is stamped with the French maker's mark, which attests to the origin of the silver.

At the ears and along the neckline these studs read as understated, yet the warm colour of the stone is visible even from a distance and pairs well with hair worn loose or tied back. They work well in urban casual looks - worn with simple jeans, a white shirt and a leather jacket, they add a warm, earthy accent. Their very small size and weight of 1.0 gram mean they can be worn comfortably from morning to evening, without any weight on the earlobe.