These dangle earrings with four black onyx stones pair a sleek, modern line with the deep black of the stone. The faceted cut of the onyx catches light in small flashes that shift across the surface with every turn of the head. This form draws the eye nicely along the line of the neck and any exposed hairline, giving the face a distinct, focused accent. The black of onyx has long been linked with confidence and inner strength - here it comes through without excess, as a simple, legible symbol.

Each of the four onyx stones was inspected individually and chosen for depth of colour and surface clarity, free of flaws or discolouration. Silver and good stones rise in price year after year, so earrings of this quality at this price make a sound choice today. The setting is refined sterling silver 925 of high alloy purity, further coated with rhodium - this layer protects the surface against tarnishing and scratches, so the earrings need cleaning less often. The alloy is free of nickel and other irritating additives, so they can be worn without worry about skin reactions. The French maker's mark visible on the piece attests to the origin of the silver used.

These earrings suit easy weekend layering: an oversized sweater in cool grey, a loose scarf draped over the shoulders, a simple shirt underneath. In this combination, the black of the onyx doesn't fade into the muted tones but stands out clearly against bare neck and hair pulled into a loose bun. The same pair also works well with a simple turtleneck, where the line of the earrings extends the silhouette of the neck. The medium size means the earrings wear lightly despite their 28 grams of silver.