Two cabochon-cut amethysts hang freely, right at the jawline, exactly where a conversation partner's gaze tends to land. The smooth, domed surface of the stone draws out a deep violet without scattering it into small flashes of light - the colour stays even and dense, only its intensity shifting as the head moves. The simple, dangling form and the slightly retro line of the setting mean these earrings work equally well with hair up or down, framing the ear and neck. Amethyst has long been linked to calm and clarity of mind, a symbol of balance that suits the character of a gift well.

A stone like this - clean, of an even, saturated colour with no cloudy patches - is easy to overlook among stones of lesser clarity, yet a second one in exactly the same shade is hard to find. Silver prices rise year after year, so pieces of this quality at a reasonable price are turning up less and less often. The setting is refined European silver, sterling silver 925, free of nickel and other allergenic additives, so it can be worn without worry of irritation. A layer of rhodium protects the surface from tarnishing and scratches, keeping the shine clear for years to come. The piece is stamped with the French maker's mark, which attests the origin of the metal.

Day to day, these earrings sit well among weekend layers - under a loose, oversized grey jumper or wrapped in a muted-tone scarf, where the violet of the amethyst becomes the strongest point of the whole look. They also pair well with a simple shirt and loose, softly waved hair that reveals their line by the face. Their medium size and weight of 3.5 grams mean they can be worn comfortably all day long, without losing their vintage character.