Two faceted-cut onyxes draw a deep, cool shine out of the black stone - under light the facets catch in small, sharp flashes that vanish the moment a hand smooths back the hair. The stud shape is deliberately simple: the minimalist setting doesn't pull attention away from the stone and sits neatly against the earlobe, close to the line of the neck. Onyx has long been linked with confidence and resilience, and today the same stone in a understated, modern setting reads as both restrained and symbolic.

Only a small share of the vetted raw material makes it into these earrings - what matters is the depth of black and the clarity of the facets, so the selection is strict. That kind of quality at an accessible price matters today, as silver and good stones keep rising in price. Rhodium plating protects the silver from tarnishing, so the shine stays clear for months without extra care. Underneath is sterling silver 925 from European refining, an alloy free of nickel - the metal most likely to cause irritation - so the earrings can be worn without worrying about skin reactions. The silver bears the French maker's mark, which attests to its origin.

Styled for the office, these studs work well with a smooth shirt and a blazer in muted grey or navy - the black of the onyx doesn't compete with the outfit, it simply finishes the face with a quiet accent. They look good with hair tied back, when the exposed neckline shows off their shape. Their small size and weight of 1.9 grams mean they can be worn without fatigue from morning to evening.