The deep violet of two amethysts in these stud earrings gives a minimalist form a striking character. The cabochon cut smooths the surface of the stone and gathers light within it - with every turn of the head a warm glint appears deep in the violet, while a soft matte glow around it stays constant. The simple setting doesn't draw attention away from the colour - the earrings sit close to the earlobe and blend naturally into the line of the face and hair.

Each amethyst was inspected individually before being set - what matters is the depth of colour and the clarity inside the stone, free of cloudiness. Good stones of this quality are becoming harder to find, and silver is rising in price along with other precious metals, so buying now makes sense price-wise. The earrings are made of refined sterling silver 925 of European quality, coated with a layer of rhodium - a hard metal that protects the surface from tarnishing and scratches, so the shine lasts long without frequent cleaning. The alloy contains no nickel or other sensitising additives, which any sensitive skin will appreciate. The piece is stamped with the French maker's mark establishing its origin, registered with the assay office in France. In jewellery tradition, amethyst has been associated with calm and clarity of mind, its violet hue sometimes seen as a symbol of inner balance.

These earrings work well in everyday outfits - with a soft cashmere or cotton sweater, in a monochrome look built on greys or beiges, where the violet of the amethyst comes through most strongly close to the face. Loose hair reveals their delicate shape, and the understated stud form suits both the office and evenings out. Their medium size and weight of 4.1 grams mean they can be worn from morning to night without any discomfort.