The deep, saturated blue of lapis lazuli catches the eye instantly in these dangle earrings with a modern, clean line. The two cabochon-cut stones shift subtly in tone with every turn of the head - somewhere between navy and an intense blue, with faint lighter flecks glinting on the surface. Posts guide the eye down from the earlobe, so the earrings move freely along the neckline and hairline, lending the face a sense of lightness. Craftsmen of old associated this stone with idealism, intuition and inner harmony - an association lapis lazuli still carries as part of its symbolism today.

Only a small portion of the sorted raw material makes it into production - what matters is depth of colour and purity of structure, free of discoloration and cracks. Prices for silver and quality stones keep rising steadily, and lapis lazuli of this quality is increasingly hard to find, so buying at today's price makes sense. The earrings are made from refined sterling silver 925 of high alloy purity - the metal is free of nickel and other allergenic additives, so they can be worn without worry of skin irritation. A rhodium layer protects the surface from tarnishing and scratches, keeping the shine long-lasting and everyday care to a minimum. The French maker's mark stamped on the piece attests the origin of the metal.

In summer they pair beautifully with a loose linen dress in light beige or white - the blue of the stone stands out sharply against the natural fabric and bare neckline. They also work well with a simple, light-coloured t-shirt and a midi skirt, when hair is pulled back into a bun to reveal the ears. Their modern form means the earrings work just as well with a silk blouse for an evening out. The medium size and 3.8-gram weight let you wear them all day without tiring the earlobe.