Two lapis lazuli cabochons in these stud earrings bring a deep, dark navy blue flecked with scattered golden pyrite. The smooth, domed cabochon cut doesn't scatter the colour across small facets, but gathers it into one calm surface, giving the stone an almost velvety depth. Both stones were matched to sit in the same rich shade of navy, free of discolouration or lighter streaks. The classic stud form sits close to the earlobe, so the earrings don't weigh the ear down or draw attention away from the line of the neck and hair. Lapis lazuli has long been linked with intuition and inner harmony, and in some cultures was considered the stone of idealists and those seeking balance.

The price of silver and of good, naturally coloured stones keeps rising year on year, and lapis lazuli with such an even colour is becoming harder to find, so this set makes sense at its current price. The setting is made of refined sterling silver 925 of European quality, further coated with a layer of rhodium that protects the surface against tarnishing and scratches. This means the earrings keep their full shine for longer and need less frequent cleaning. The alloy contains no nickel, so even with close contact against the skin it causes no allergies or irritation. The underside of the stud carries the French maker's mark, registered with the assay office, which attests to the origin of the metal.

These earrings fit well into an outfit for a meeting in the city: a sand-coloured trench coat, a simple turtleneck and cool grey trousers create a backdrop against which the navy blue of the lapis lazuli immediately draws the eye toward the face. Hair swept into a low bun or a sleek braid reveals the line of the neck and lets the cabochons stand out fully. It's a classic form, just as easy to pair with a blazer for an important meeting as with a cashmere scarf on cooler days.