The deep black of the two cabochon-cut black onyx stones catches a cool, matte sheen with every turn of the head, with no trace of translucency or lighter streaks. The stones were matched so that the colour and intensity of black are identical in both, giving the pair a coherent, symmetrical look. The stud is simple and sits low, close to the earlobe, so the earrings never draw attention away from the neckline or the face. Onyx has long been associated with strength, endurance and self-confidence, which suits this understated, minimalist setting well.

The modest price of this pair is all the more welcome given that good-quality onyx is becoming harder to find and silver keeps rising in price. The setting is refined European silver of 925 fineness, whose pure alloy, free of nickel and other harmful additives, does not irritate the skin even with extended wear. The rhodium layer is hard and scratch-resistant, so the silver does not tarnish and the shine stays visible for months. The metal bears a maker's mark struck on the silver, registered with the French assay office, which attests to the origin of the piece.

With hair pulled back to reveal the ear, these studs show off their low, elegant profile in full. They work well with a little black silk dress, where the smooth black of the onyx echoes the smoothness of the fabric, and with such a understated cut it's the stone that draws the eye. They also pair nicely with a plain satin blouse and a loosely gathered bun for an evening out. At 2.1 g, the earrings are worn almost unnoticeably, despite the striking black of the onyx.