Dangle earrings with six amethysts pair a classic, elongated line with a noble violet glow right at the face. The faceted cut breaks light into tiny facets that catch reflections with every turn of the head, revealing the depth of the colour and letting it fade into shadow. This play of light draws the eye along the line of the neck and hair without overwhelming the features. Amethyst has long been associated with calm and clarity of mind, and in some traditions was regarded as a stone of balance.

Each of the six amethysts is assessed for colour and clarity before it is set, so the earrings bring together stones of even, saturated violet. Silver and precious metals keep rising in price, and good stones are becoming harder to find, so buying at this price makes sense today. The setting is vermeil - refined European silver 925 coated with a thick layer of 18-carat gold, confirmed by the stamped V mark. It is the gold, not the silver, that touches the skin, while the 925 fineness attests to the purity of the alloy underneath. The French maker's mark on the metal confirms its origin and rounds off the workmanship to a European standard.

These earrings sit well in weekend layering - an oversized sweater in cool grey, a scarf thrown over it and hair pulled back to reveal the line of the neck. The violet of the amethyst catches the eye against muted colours, bringing a simple outfit to life without adding further jewelry. At a medium size and 1.9 g in weight, the earrings stay light for everyday wear, and their classic form suits loosely pinned-up hair just as well as exposed ears.