Two cabochon-cut black onyx stones in simple stud settings bring out a deep, saturated black without a hint of translucency. The smooth, domed surface of the stone doesn't break light into facets, so instead of sparkle you get a calm, even glow that reads as a matte counterpoint to skin and hair. The shape is classic and small in size, with no unnecessary detail, so the earrings work equally well with hair pulled back or falling loose around the face. In jewelry tradition, onyx has long been linked to strength, resilience and self-assurance, which suits the bold, classic character of this form well.

Both onyx stones are matched so their colour and depth of black are as even as possible, giving the pair a consistent look from every angle. Natural stone of this quality at this price point is becoming harder to find, as silver and good stones keep rising in price, which makes buying now a sound choice. The studs are made of refined European 925 silver, coated with a layer of rhodium that is hard and scratch-resistant, so the metal's shine lasts long without tarnishing. The pure alloy, free of nickel and harmful additives, means they can be worn without worry of irritation. The French maker's mark on the metal guarantees the quality and origin of the silver.

They come into their own in a total-black look - with a black top with a simple neckline or a thin turtleneck, where the smooth black of the stone merges with the background and catches the light with every turn of the head, drawing the eye to the face. They also work well with hair tied back, when the neckline is left bare. This is the choice for classic, understated styling, where the precision of the form matters more than an abundance of detail.