These stud earrings with blue topaz catch the light with the slightest turn of the head. The faceted cut breaks the colour into small flashes that bring out the topaz's hue without scattering it into an overly bright glare - the stone stays calm and clear to read even up close. The minimalist form of the stud does not pull attention away from that colour: the line of metal is narrow and discreet, designed so the stone remains the main feature at the ear and along the line of the neck.

For this pair we chose two topazes with a similar, deep blue and a clean, transparent structure - it was this colour and clarity that decided which stones made it into this piece. Quality like this at this price matters, because silver and good stones are rising in price, and topazes with such an even shade are getting harder to find today - which makes this a sensible buy right now. The earrings are made of refined European silver 925, coated with a layer of rhodium that protects the surface against tarnishing and scratches, so the shine stays bright for years. The French maker's mark, confirming the origin of the metal, appears on every piece. An alloy free of nickel and other allergenic additives means they can be worn without worrying about skin irritation.

They work best styled in total black - a black turtleneck or a simple top with an open neckline is the backdrop against which the blue of the topaz really draws the eye. Hair pulled back into a ponytail or gathered into a low knot reveals the line of the neck and ear, exactly where this stone works best. At 1.6 g the pair stays light all day, and their small size suits the office just as well as an evening look with makeup in cool, muted tones.