These dangle earrings with amethyst catch the light with every turn of the head - small flashes of violet bring life to the neckline and hair. Fourteen faceted amethysts form a vintage silhouette that recalls the jewelry-making of past decades, yet wears in a thoroughly contemporary way. In evening light the stone deepens into dark purple, while by day it lightens to a clear violet - it's this shift in colour, more than the size of the earrings, that draws the eye.

We assess each amethyst before setting, looking at clarity and depth of colour, since this determines whether the stone makes it into the collection at all. Silver and precious metals keep getting more expensive, and good-quality amethysts in this shade are increasingly hard to source, so the price makes sense even today. The core of the earrings is refined European silver 925, coated with a layer of 18-carat gold at least 5 microns thick - it's the gold, not the silver, that touches the skin, and the stamped V mark confirms compliance with the vermeil standard. The alloy remains free of nickel and other harmful additives, so wearing it doesn't irritate the skin. The metal is stamped with the French maker's mark - a legally protected mark registered with the French assay office, which attests to its origin. Amethyst has long been associated with calm and clarity of mind, and in some traditions it was regarded as a symbol of inner balance.

With a spring coat in a pastel shade, these earrings add a touch of colour without overdoing it, especially when hair is tied back to reveal the neckline. They pair well with a silk scarf in a similar tone and a light-coloured handbag - the violet of the amethyst is then echoed in the accessories, not just by the face. For an evening look, a simple black dress is enough to let the stone take centre stage. Their medium size and weight of 2.3 grams mean the earrings wear lightly all day long.