Two faceted black onyx stones open these earrings with flawless black - the facets catch light at different angles and throw it back in short, sharp glints instead of spreading it across the surface. The cut doesn't try to lighten the stone, it draws out its depth and pulls the eye exactly where it should go. The modern, geometric form of the studs sits close to the earlobe, so the earrings naturally follow the line of the face and neck without pulling at the ear.

For this piece we chose black onyx with an even, deep black tone - free of discolouration and reasonably priced, though good stones of this quality get more expensive year on year along with silver. Onyx has long been associated with strength and endurance, and in some cultures it was also seen as a symbol of confidence. The earrings are made from refined sterling silver 925 with a high alloy purity, coated with a layer of rhodium that is hard and scratch-resistant, so the surface won't tarnish or turn dull over time. The alloy contains no nickel, the metal responsible for most allergic reactions, so the earrings can be worn without worrying about irritation. The piece is finished with the French maker's mark, which attests to the origin of the silver and is registered with the assay office.

These earrings work well for a meeting in the city - under a trench coat and a thin, cool grey turtleneck they find a natural, understated backdrop. Short hair shows them off in full, while with longer hair it's enough to pin it back so the black of the onyx takes centre stage. A neutral outfit palette lets the facets do their work - they're the ones that catch the eye while the rest of the look stays in the background.