The cool, clear blue of aquamarine comes through fully when light falls on the faceted surfaces and breaks into fine flashes. These dangle and drop earrings with two aquamarines have a focused, clean form - no unnecessary detail to draw attention away from the stone. That restraint is the hallmark of contemporary French style: the form steps back and colour leads the eye.

Each aquamarine was selected by hand - for colour and clarity, because it is the purity of the stone that determines the intensity of its brilliance. Silver and quality aquamarines are rising in price, so today's price for these earrings is genuinely reasonable. They are set in refined sterling silver 925 of high alloy purity - an alloy free from nickel and other sensitising metals, safe even for sensitive skin. Rhodium deposited on the surface protects the silver against tarnishing and maintains a bright shine for a long time. The silver is stamped with the French maker's mark, confirming the origin of the metal.

They look best against an all-black outfit: a black roll-neck or a simple black top creates a dark background against which the blue reflection of the aquamarines shows clearly at the face. Short hair reveals the earrings in full; with longer hair it is worth fastening them and tucking the hair behind the ear. The minimal form means two aquamarines are enough for the whole look to feel complete.