These stud earrings bring a discreet flash of purple to everyday styling, one that reads more subtly close to the face than it would at the hand or wrist. Two faceted amethysts catch the light through their small facets, their colour shifting from pale violet to deeper purple depending on the angle. The purple of this stone has long been associated with calm and clarity of mind, and in jewellery tradition it has at times symbolised inner balance. The form stays simple and minimalist, with no extra details to draw attention away from the stone.

A pair of amethysts this close in colour and clarity is easy to overlook, yet finding a second stone equally well matched is far from straightforward. Silver and precious metals are rising in price, and nature itself limits the availability of fine stones, so it is worth appreciating their presence at a reasonable price while you still can. The setting is vermeil - a core of refined European silver coated with a layer of 18-carat gold at least 5 microns thick, confirmed by the stamped V mark. It is the gold, not the silver, that touches the skin, while the 925 fineness confirms the purity of the alloy underneath. The French maker's mark - a legally protected stamp registered with the French assay office - accompanies the metal as proof of its origin.

Close to the face and along the neckline, these small earrings suit a romantic look: a lace blouse in a powder shade, hair loosely gathered to reveal the ears, or a soft sweater in a pastel colour. The purple of amethyst pairs well with beige, powder pink and grey, building a coherent, delicate whole. The small stud form keeps the earrings light, so they stay comfortable all day, whatever the time or occasion.