Two faceted amethysts in these earrings catch the light with every turn of the head, casting soft violet glints across the face. The faceted cut opens up the stone from within, revealing depth of colour rather than just a surface shine. The stud shape is simple and delicate, and the very small weight (0.6 g) means the earrings are barely noticeable, their minimalist line pairing well with a bare neck and hair worn up. Amethyst has long been linked to calm and clarity of mind, and today it is often seen as a symbol of inner balance.

An amethyst this clean and richly coloured, free of flaws and cloudiness, is hard to find today - good specimens are becoming increasingly scarce, so buying them at this price makes sense now. The earrings are made using the vermeil technique: sterling silver 925 from European refining is coated with a thick layer of 18-carat gold, which sits in direct contact with the skin and contains no nickel or other allergenic additives, so it can be worn without worrying about irritation. Compliance with the vermeil standard is confirmed by the stamped V mark, and the whole piece is stamped with the French maker's mark, which attests to the metal's origin. The European quality of workmanship shows in the even, careful finish of every element.

These earrings feel right at a family celebration - with an elegant dress, in the warm light of a hall, alongside classic jewellery on the hand or around the neck. The violet glint at the face brings life to muted outfit colours and works well with hair swept up to reveal the line of the ear. This is jewellery to wear without a second thought, for whenever you want something more than plain studs.