These dangle earrings pair a classic, elongated silhouette with the warm depth of amethyst. The cabochon cut doesn't scatter light into tiny sparkles, but gathers it across a smooth surface, so the stone's colour stays calm and even, without sharp glints. The violet of amethyst has long been linked to calm and clarity of mind, and in some traditions it was regarded as a stone of balance. The delicate, dangling form means the earrings move with every turn of the head and naturally draw the eye to the line of the neck and hair.

For this design we hand-select two amethysts of closely matched, deep colour, free of spots or clouding, which at this price is far from a given. Silver and good coloured stones get more expensive every year, so buying at this price makes sense today. The earrings are made of pure, refined sterling silver 925, and a rhodium layer protects the surface against tarnishing and scratches, so the shine lasts for years. The alloy contains no nickel or other additives that cause irritation, so the earrings can be worn with no worries about irritation. The silver bears the French maker's mark, which attests to the metal's origin.

In spring these earrings pair well with a pastel trench coat and a silk scarf tied loosely at the neck - the violet of the amethyst enlivens the coat's muted colours and echoes in the scarf's shade. A light-coloured handbag and hair gathered into a loose bun reveal the line of the neck, keeping the stone the centre of attention. The classic form and medium size mean the earrings work just as well with a simple hairstyle for the office as with hair worn loose for a walk.