Faceted rubies in these stud earrings reveal the depth of their colour with every turn of the head - a deep purple brightens at the point where the facets catch the light, then returns to an intense red in shadow. The simple stud form draws no attention away from the stone; all focus stays on that vivid colour close to the face.

Each of the two rubies is hand-selected - colour saturation and clarity are what matter, because they determine how the stone performs in its setting. Good rubies are increasingly hard to come by, and their prices are rising alongside silver prices, so the current price of these earrings is genuinely reasonable. They are set in refined sterling silver 925, rhodium-plated to protect the metal against tarnishing and keep a bright shine for years. The alloy is free from nickel and irritating additives, so the earrings can be worn without concern about skin reactions. The piece is stamped with the French maker's mark - a guarantee of quality and the origin of the precious metal.

Against a black top or a deep-black roll-neck, the two rubies work like a point of light - striking, yet precise. A total black look is one of the stronger directions in fashion right now, and a minimal stud with a natural stone fits that aesthetic without overstatement. Short hair or an updo that leaves the ears exposed lets the stone do its work fully.