A lapis lazuli cabochon at the heart of this necklace catches the eye before you even notice the silver setting. The deep, saturated navy hue conceals fine flecks of golden pyrite that catch the light with every turn of the head. The stone was assessed for colour intensity and surface purity before reaching the jeweller's hands. A thin, adjustable chain measuring 42 cm with a 4 cm extension gives the whole piece the lightness typical of minimalist jewellery - the form doesn't draw attention away from the stone, it simply lets the stone lead the eye.

In ancient Middle Eastern cultures, lapis lazuli was linked to ideals of wisdom and inner harmony, and its colour was seen as a symbol of intuition. Silver and fine stones get more expensive year after year, so a piece this well made at a reasonable price is a smart choice today. The rhodium coating on the silver protects it from tarnishing and scratches, so the shine lasts for years without extra care. The sterling silver 925 used is sourced from European refining, and the pure alloy, free of nickel and other harmful additives, means the necklace can be worn without worry of irritation. The piece is stamped with the French maker's mark, which attests the origin of the silver.

The navy of the lapis lazuli pairs beautifully with spring pastels - a pastel trench coat, a silk scarf in a light shade or a beige handbag. The short length of the necklace lets the stone sit right at the neckline, visible even under a loosely buttoned shirt collar. It also looks great with a simple sweater in cool grey, where the navy cabochon becomes the boldest point of the outfit. This is jewellery for everyday wear, with one striking detail at the neck.