Eight faceted amethysts form a dangling line that catches the light differently with every turn of the head. The stone's violet shifts from deep purple to a lighter, almost pink tone as the earring turns freely by the ear. The slender, vertical shape has a distinctly vintage look - the kind associated with photographs from decades past, when dangle jewelry revealed the neckline and hair swept up high. It's right by the face that this arrangement of stones works best, since the light plays closest to the eyes.

Each of the eight amethysts was hand-picked for colour and clarity, free of flaws that would cloud the violet. Silver and other precious metals keep rising in price, and stones of this quality are becoming harder to find, so buying at this price today makes sense. The earrings are made in vermeil: onto a core of refined sterling silver 925, a layer of 18-carat gold at least 5 microns thick has been applied, in line with the French standard confirmed by the struck V mark. It's the gold, not the silver, that touches the skin, and an alloy free of nickel and other harmful additives won't irritate even sensitive ears. The metal also bears a maker's mark registered at the French assay office, attesting to its origin. Amethyst has long been associated with calm and clarity of mind, and in some traditions was regarded as a symbol of inner balance.

In summer, these earrings pair well with a flowing linen dress in white or ecru and with hair swept into a loose bun that reveals the ears and the line of the neck. The amethyst's violet draws the eye against light, simple fabrics, needing no extra accessories. At 1.9 grams, the earrings stay light all day, from a morning walk to an evening out.