These lapis lazuli stud earrings pair a raw, minimalist form with a colour that shifts in intensity with every turn of the head. The cabochon cut doesn't scatter light across facets but gathers it on one smooth surface, so the stone's deep blue sometimes reads dark and dense, sometimes reveals lighter flashes and fine golden veining. The two stones were matched so their hue and colour intensity would be near-identical before being set in silver. Lapis lazuli has long been associated with intuition and inner harmony, and in ancient cultures it was also regarded as a symbol of idealism.

Finding two stones with such rich, even colour at a reasonable price is getting harder, as good specimens rise in price along with silver. The setting is made of refined silver of European quality, sterling silver 925, coated with a layer of rhodium that protects the surface from tarnishing and scratches, so the shine stays clear for years. The alloy contains no nickel, the metal responsible for most contact allergies, so the earrings can be worn without worrying about irritation. The whole piece is stamped with the French maker's mark, which denotes the silver's origin.

The medium-sized studs sit close to the earlobe, so they pair well with short and medium hairstyles that leave the neckline exposed. For weekend wear, they work well with an oversized sweater in cool grey and a loosely tied scarf - it's the navy of the lapis lazuli that draws the eye against the muted layers. With hair tied back, the stone stays in view all day, and its weight, 2.8 grams, means the earrings feel light to wear from morning to evening.