The deep, saturated black of the two onyxes in these stud earrings works through contrast - the cabochon cut brings out a smooth, gently lustrous glint on the surface of the stone, without extra detail to distract the eye. The form is simple and small, shaped to suit the ear and the line of the neck rather than the gesture of a hand - this is minimalism at its most typical, needing no ornament to catch the eye near the face. Black onyx has long been linked with strength, endurance and self-assurance, which suits this understated yet distinctive form well.

Each of the two onyxes was hand-selected for its deep, even black free of streaks or cloudiness, and that kind of clarity costs more today than it did not long ago. Good stones of this quality are becoming harder to source, since nature simply limits the supply, so buying at a reasonable price makes sense now. They are set in refined European sterling silver 925, coated with a layer of rhodium - a hard metal that protects the surface against blackening, dulling and scratches, so the earrings rarely need cleaning. The alloy is pure, free of nickel and other irritant additives, so they can be worn without worry of irritation. The piece is stamped with the French maker's mark, which guarantees the origin of the metal.

These small studs, weighing 3.5 grams, come into their own in summer, when hair is tied back or pinned up, revealing the ear and the line of the neck. A linen dress in a light, sandy shade or a white cotton shirt makes a background against which the black of the onyx stands out clearly. They also pair well with a simple, sleek updo and bare shoulders - the minimalist form doesn't compete for attention, it simply guides it, calmly, toward the face.