Two faceted blue topaz stones bring a quiet precision to these earrings that is apparent at first glance. The facets catch the light and scatter it in fine flashes along the neckline, while the dangle and drop cut means the shimmer appears and disappears with every turn of the head. The form is compact and clean - no unnecessary detail to draw attention away from the stone.

Each blue topaz is hand-selected for colour and clarity, and it is exactly this care at a sensible price that makes the purchase a sound one, as quality stones are becoming increasingly hard to come by. The metal is refined sterling silver 925, of European quality, free from nickel and allergenic additives, so wearing them carries no risk of allergic reactions or irritation. The rhodium layer maintains a bright, lasting shine for years. The earrings are stamped with the French maker's mark, which confirms the origin of the metal.

In the evening these earrings work best with a simple dark dress or a silk blouse - the cool blue of the topaz contrasts with deep black and sharpens the features. With short hair or an updo the stones are fully visible and need no other jewellery alongside them. The clean, minimal line of the earrings suits a contemporary approach to elegance, where one well-chosen piece does more than several worn at once.