The warm, honey color of amber in these earrings has a depth best seen against the light - from bright gold to a darker, saturated purple note deep within the cabochon. The cabochon cut brings out these glimmers and gives the stone a soft, rounded shape, free of sharp edges. The stud form is simple and classic, sitting close to the earlobe, so the amber stays right by the face, where it draws the eye most. It's an organic material, fossilized resin, long associated with sunny warmth and good fortune.

The two amber stones in this pair are matched for color and clarity, which with a natural stone takes careful selection. As a result, the pair looks cohesive, and the quality holds up against the price, which remains reasonable. Silver and good stones are rising in price, so buying a pair with two amber stones at this price makes sense today. The setting is vermeil - refined European sterling silver 925 covered with a thick layer of 18-carat gold, in line with the standard confirmed by the struck V mark. It's the gold, not the silver, that touches the skin, while the 925 fineness confirms the purity of the alloy underneath. The piece is stamped with a maker's mark registered at the French assay office, which attests to the origin of the metal.

For an evening out, these earrings work well with hair pulled back, when the exposed neck and ears become a natural backdrop for the warm color of the amber. Pair them with the little black dress or a silk blouse instead of several other accessories - the amber alone carries enough color on its own. Their small size makes the earrings light to wear, and their classic line suits both an evening dress and a simpler look with a silk scarf.