This garnet necklace draws the eye with a deep, dark red-purple hue that shifts in intensity with every movement. Three faceted garnets catch the light from different angles, and each facet reflects it slightly differently, creating subtle glints against the cool silver. The delicate chain sits loosely at the neckline, and the understated stones fall along the line of the throat in a light, modern rhythm. The simple form, free of unnecessary embellishment, gives the piece a contemporary character.

Before a garnet is set, each stone must be checked for colour and clarity, since only then does it keep its depth of colour rather than a dull grey cast. This kind of assessment has made it possible to combine high quality with a reasonable price. The prices of silver and fine coloured stones are rising, so buying this necklace now makes financial sense. The metal is refined European silver, sterling silver 925, and a rhodium layer protects its surface from tarnishing and losing its shine for years to come. The alloy contains no nickel, the metal most often responsible for skin irritation, so the necklace can be worn without worry. The piece is stamped with the French maker's mark, a legally protected mark registered with the French assay office, which attests to the origin of the metal.

This necklace works well for a meeting in the city - worn under a trench coat with a thin turtleneck in cool grey, the garnets take on extra depth. Neutral clothing colours, beige, charcoal or navy, let the facets of the stones take centre stage. The chain measures 45 centimetres, and an adjustable 5-centimetre extension lets you fit it to the neckline of a shirt or a turtleneck. It is a necklace equally suited to the office and to dinner after hours.