Two faceted-cut garnets hold a deep, dark red that catches a new flash of light with every turn of the head. The stud's form is simple and sits close to the earlobe, so the stone stays exactly where the eye lands - near the face, the hair, the line of the neck. Garnet has long been associated with warmth and energy, and in this pared-back, minimalist form it takes on a calm, focused presence, free of unnecessary ornament.

Each of the two garnets was chosen for its colour and clarity, free of internal cloudiness, which shows in the way the stone responds to light. Silver and good coloured stones are rising in price, and stones of this clarity are becoming harder to find, so this is a good moment to buy. The earrings are made of refined European silver 925, coated with a layer of 18-carat gold in line with the French vermeil standard - it is the gold, not the silver, that touches the skin, and its presence is confirmed by the stamped V mark. The metal contains no nickel or other sensitising additives, which even sensitive skin near the ear will appreciate. The French maker's mark on the piece attests to the origin of the metal.

In summer these earrings pair well with a flowing linen dress in a light sand or white shade - the red of the garnet lifts a muted palette without overstating it. They also suit loose, lightly curled hair that reveals the ear and lets the stone catch the light with every turn of the head. For an evening out, wear them with a simple slip dress in cool grey, where the garnet becomes a warm point of colour at the neckline. Their small size and weight of 2.0 g make them easy to wear from morning to evening.