Amethyst cabochons in these earrings shimmer with a deep purple that shifts shade with every turn of the head, from dark violet to a lighter, almost pink flash. The slender, dangling vintage form moves gently along the neckline and hair, lending the face a soft, feminine rhythm. It's the sweep of a hand brushing back the hair or a turn of the head that draws fresh glints of light from these stones, invisible when still.

Such a selection of amethyst - pure colour, a smooth, even cabochon surface - is hard to match in another piece, so a good matching pair is easy to miss once gone. Silver and fine coloured stones are steadily rising in price, so buying at today's price makes sense. The rhodium-plated silver surface protects the earrings from tarnishing and keeps their clear shine through daily wear. Underneath lies pure, refined sterling silver 925 - the fineness confirms the absence of nickel and harmful additives, making the metal safe for the skin. The piece bears the French maker's mark, which guarantees the metal's origin. In jewellery tradition, amethyst has long been associated with calm and clarity of mind, which suits the character of this classic, elegant form well.

They come into their own against total black - a black top with a simple neckline or a thin turtleneck leaves room for the purple, which becomes the focal point near the face. Hair pulled back or tucked behind the ear further reveals the dangling line of the earrings. Such a combination works equally well for evening wear and for heavier autumn outfits like a turtleneck with a wool blazer.