The soft violet of the two amethysts shifts shade with every turn of the head - one moment a deep plum, the next a lighter purple, as light catches the facets from a different angle. The faceted cut breaks the light into small glimmers that show particularly well near the face and along the neckline. The dangle shape of the earrings has a clean, minimalist silhouette free of unnecessary detail - a modern form that doesn't weigh on the ear despite its presence. Amethyst has long been associated with balance and clarity of mind, which suits this calm, orderly form well.

Stones of this quality, with a pure, deep colour free of flaws, are easy to overlook among ordinary stones - finding a second one with a similarly intense violet isn't easy on short notice. Silver and fine coloured stones rise in price year after year, so this purchase makes good sense from a price standpoint today. The metal is refined European 925 silver, coated with a layer of rhodium that is hard and scratch-resistant, so the shine doesn't fade after a few months of wear. The alloy contains no nickel, the metal responsible for allergic reactions, so the earrings can be worn without worry of irritation. The piece is stamped with the French maker's mark establishing its origin, registered with the assay office in France.

These earrings work well with weekend layering - with a relaxed oversized sweater, a shawl draped over the shoulders, and hair gathered into a loose bun that reveals the line of the neck. The cool grey of knitwear or the natural beige of linen bring out the violet of the amethyst without drawing attention away from it. With hair tied back, the stone stays at the centre of attention all day, from morning coffee to an evening out with friends.