Honeyed and deep, the tiger's eye hue shimmers with a silky sheen that glides across the surface of the stone like a narrow band of light - jewellers call this the cat's eye effect. In these stud earrings, two tiger's eye cabochons are encircled by a ring of thirty-two small cubic zirconia stones that catch the light and set off the warm colour of the central stone. The classic, compact form of the stud keeps the earrings sitting close to the earlobe and pairs well with an exposed neckline or hair worn up.

The colour of both stones is well matched, as becomes clear when they are placed side by side - selecting stones for similar hue and clarity of structure is an effect that is immediately noticeable. Good-quality stones like these are harder to come by today, and silver prices are rising, so a purchase like this makes sense right now. Refined silver of European quality, sterling silver 925, has been coated with a layer of rhodium, keeping the shine bright and clear for years to come, without tarnishing or dulling. The alloy contains no nickel or other sensitising additives, which even sensitive skin will appreciate. The piece is signed with the French maker's mark, which attests to the origin of the metal. In old craft traditions, tiger's eye was associated with stability and renewal - today it is simply a stone with character that looks good close to the face.

These earrings work well for a family celebration - paired with an elegant dress in a warm shade and soft evening light, the honeyed colour of the stone gains depth. Hair swept into a bun or tucked behind the ears reveals the neckline and lets the classic shape of the stud be fully appreciated. They also pair nicely with a simple, golden-toned rhodium-plated silver bracelet, without excess embellishment. Their medium size and weight of 5.1 grams mean the earrings wear lightly all evening long.