Four faceted blue topaz stones catch the light with every turn of the head. The cut draws out the stone's cool, clear blue and multiplies it across tiny facets, leaving no room for cloudy patches. A set of four stones matched this evenly in colour and clarity is easy to overlook on a shop shelf, yet hard to find later in comparable quality. The simple dangle form of the earrings sits close to the ear and just brushes the line of the neck, which suits the minimalist character of the whole collection.

We select each topaz for a rich, even shade, so that high stone quality doesn't come with an inflated price tag. Silver and precious metals are steadily rising in price, and good-quality coloured stones are becoming harder to source, since nature itself limits their supply. The core of the earrings is refined European silver 925, coated with a thick layer of 18-carat gold in line with the French vermeil standard, confirmed by the stamped V mark. It's the gold, not the silver, that touches the skin, and the pure alloy, free of nickel and other sensitising additives, means even sensitive skin can wear them without irritation. The French maker's mark on the piece attests the origin of the precious metal.

In spring these earrings pair well with a pastel trench coat and a silk scarf tied loosely at the neck - the blue of the topaz echoes the cool tones of the coat and lifts a light outfit. They also work well with hair tied up, when the bare neck and ear become a natural backdrop for their sparkle. With a light-coloured bag and a light dress, they add just enough colour to keep the look from falling flat. At 2.1 grams combined weight for both earrings, they can be worn comfortably all day without feeling their weight.