Two faceted amethysts hang freely from thin posts, forming a dangle shape 3.0 cm long that shifts gently with every turn of the head. The violet glow of the stone catches the light and reflects it toward the face, brightening the neckline and hair without unnecessary fuss. The minimalist silhouette of these earrings doesn't overwhelm - it's a simple form in which all the weight is carried by the colour of the amethyst. In old beliefs this stone was linked with calm and clarity of mind, a symbol of balance that has followed it through generations of jewellery tradition.

A pair of two amethysts matched in equally deep colour and clarity isn't easy to come across on a shelf, and finding another equally successful set is far from a given. Silver and precious metals are steadily rising in price, and good stones of this quality are becoming harder to find, so buying now makes sense price-wise. At this price you get careful stone selection and solid vermeil craftsmanship - a layer of 18-carat gold at least 5 microns thick covers a core of refined European silver 925, and compliance with this standard is confirmed by the struck V mark. It's the gold, not the silver, that touches the skin, giving smooth, lasting contact. The alloy contains no nickel, the metal responsible for most allergic reactions, so the earrings don't irritate the skin. The piece is stamped with the French maker's mark - a legally protected mark registered at the French assay office, which attests to the origin of the metal.

They come through best in a total-black look: a black turtleneck or a simple black top creates a backdrop against which the violet of the amethyst becomes the only spot of colour near the face. The earrings also pair well with loose hair that leaves part of the neck bare, letting the stone's glow show from every side. For an evening look, a dark lipstick and smoothly pinned-up hair are enough to let the violet of the amethyst take all the attention.