A faceted blue topaz plays with light at every turn - flashes travel across the facets, drawing out a depth of colour that a smooth cabochon could never reveal. The necklace is 43 cm long with a 4 cm adjustable extender, sitting precisely at the neckline, and the modern, compact setting does not compete with the stone - all attention stays with the topaz.

Every blue topaz is assessed for saturation and clarity before it goes into the setting - this is the stage that determines whether the stone truly comes alive. Good blue topazes are rising in price alongside silver, so this purchase is sensibly priced today. Refined sterling silver 925 forms a clean alloy free from nickel and harmful additives - the 925 fineness confirms that purity and means the metal will not cause a reaction. Rhodium applied to the surface keeps daily care to a minimum - the silver does not tarnish or lose its lustre. The French maker's mark stamped on the silver, registered at the French assay office, guarantees the origin of the metal.

The necklace works beautifully with a spring neckline - paired with a pastel trench coat and a silk scarf in ecru, the blue of the topaz comes through quietly and confidently. A light leather bag will complete the look in a style that needs very few elements. This is a necklace that makes an impression on its own with an open collar.