The deep, dark red garnet in these earrings holds a warm glow that the faceted cut draws out with every turn of the head. The facets catch the light and break the colour into small flashes, never letting the stone settle into a single shade. The dangle form and slightly retro line of the setting give these earrings the look of an old family heirloom, though their silhouette stays clean and uncluttered by detail. Worn near the face, this garnet works differently than it would on the hand - it traces the line of the jaw and pairs well with dark or chestnut hair.

Eight garnets were chosen so that colour and clarity would be consistent stone to stone, and a matched set of eight garnets with such even depth is easy to overlook among more random pairings. Silver and precious metals keep rising in price, so a well-matched stone at this price now holds real value. The earrings are made using the vermeil technique: a core of refined European silver is covered with a layer of 18-carat gold at least 5 microns thick, confirmed by the stamped vermeil mark V. It is the gold, not the silver, that touches the skin, while the 925 fineness on the core attests to the purity of the alloy itself. The French maker's mark on the piece attests to the origin of the silver used to make it.

For a family celebration, garnet pairs well with an elegant dress in deep red, burgundy or navy - the earrings won't compete with it, only complete the look at the neck and hair. In warm evening light, garnet takes on more intensity, so it's worth wearing your hair down or in a simple bun to leave the line of the ears and neck visible. Paired with classic jewelry - a slim bracelet or a signet ring - these earrings add a vintage touch without overloading the look.