The deep, dark blue of lapis lazuli in these stud earrings carries fine, golden flecks of pyrite that only reveal themselves in daylight. Two cabochon-cut stones are set in enameled silver with a form that nods to vintage and boho style - slightly irregular, as if hand-forged. This kind of setting works well near the face: the cabochon has no sharp edges, so light spreads softly across its surface, without the reflected glare you get from glass. In old jewelry workshops, lapis lazuli was associated with intuition and inner harmony, sometimes also with the ideal of truth - more a symbol than an actual property of the stone.

Before a cabochon is set, its colour is assessed for depth and evenness - a shade that's too pale or blotchy is rejected at this stage. With good stones and silver rising in price these days, this kind of selection makes this purchase worthwhile today. The earrings are made of refined European silver 925, coated with hand-applied enamel that brings out the intensity of the blue. The alloy contains no nickel, the metal responsible for most contact allergies, so the piece can be worn without worrying about irritation. Every piece bears the French maker's mark - attesting to the origin of the silver, struck directly onto the piece.

In casual city outfits, this blue works as a natural finishing touch: a simple white shirt and jeans give a backdrop against which the stone's colour draws the eye straight to the face. A leather jacket adds textural contrast - smooth enamel against rough leather. Hair worn loose or pulled up high reveals the neckline and lets the cabochons come fully into their own by the ear. The medium size and weight of 3.8 grams mean the earrings can be worn comfortably all day long.