These stud earrings pair a minimalist form with the cool blue of topaz. Two faceted blue topaz stones sit low against the earlobe, so that light falling on the face catches in the small facets and brightens the line of the cheek. Blue topaz has long been associated with the clarity of water and sky, and at this stone size its colour stays vivid without overwhelming the delicate stud setting.

Each of the two topazes is assessed for colour and clarity before it is set, which is why high quality here goes hand in hand with a sensible price. The availability of fine stones is limited by nature itself, and the price of silver and precious metals is steadily rising. The setting is vermeil - refined European silver 925 coated with a thick layer of 18-carat gold, confirmed by the V mark struck on the piece. It is the gold, not the silver, that touches the skin, while the 925 fineness attests to the purity of the alloy underneath. The French maker's mark struck on the piece attests to the metal's origin, and the European quality of workmanship is visible in the precision of the setting and the even shine of the surface.

These earrings sit well with a romantic look - a lace blouse, a dress in a small floral print or a light powder-pink sweater. Hair worn loosely pinned up, with the ear left bare, lets the blue of the topaz draw the eye right by the face. They also work well with a simple bob or an updo, where the cool tone of the stone contrasts with warm skin tones. At 2.0 g, they are light to wear all day long, from a morning walk to an evening out.