Two cabochon-cut lapis lazuli stones open this pair of earrings with a deep navy hue shot through with fine golden flecks. Before they found their way into the silver setting, each stone was assessed for colour saturation and surface clarity - only that kind of selection allows for a consistent, dark shade across both studs. The slender dangle form, styled with a vintage feel, moves with every turn of the head, brushing against the neckline and revealing further shades of navy and purple. Craftsmen of the past linked this stone to the idea of clarity of mind, intuition and inner harmony - that association still travels with it today as part of its history, not as a promise of effect.

Silver accounts for the rest of these earrings' character. It is refined European silver of 925 fineness, and its pure alloy, free of nickel, does not cause irritation or sensitise the skin even with prolonged wear. A rhodium layer protects the surface from tarnishing and keeps the shine intact over time. Silver rises in price year on year, and good specimens of lapis lazuli with such a saturated colour are becoming ever rarer, which makes their current price particularly reasonable. The piece is stamped with the French maker's mark establishing the metal's origin, registered with the French assay office - confirmation of European craftsmanship quality.

They show off their character best in a total-black look - against a black turtleneck or a simple crew-neck top, the navy of the lapis lazuli becomes a point of light right by the face. Dark hair pulled into a bun or a sleek ponytail further reveals the neckline and lets the stone play out its full depth of colour. It's a combination that works equally well for evening wear and for a more muted, daytime styling built around black and charcoal.