A faceted garnet holds a deep, dark purple within it, revealing a new glint of light with every movement. In the hand, even before it is set, the stone shows its rich colour and clarity - this is the moment that decides whether it moves on to further work. A delicate, very small stone and a minimalist necklace design bring together simplicity and bold colour, with nothing extra around it.

We assess every garnet for colour and clarity, so at a relatively modest price you get a stone of exceptional quality. Silver and well-chosen natural stones are rising in price, so buying this necklace today remains a sound decision from a price standpoint. The setting is made of refined silver 925 with a high alloy purity, free of nickel and other harmful additives, which matters when worn close to the skin. A rhodium layer protects the silver from tarnishing and losing its shine, so the lustre lasts longer. The maker's mark struck on the piece, registered with the French assay office, attests to the origin of the metal.

A 42 cm chain with an adjustable 4 cm extension lets you position the necklace so the stone sits exactly in the hollow of the neck, just above the neckline. Day to day, it pairs well with a natural-coloured linen shirt or a loose-fit cotton blouse - the garnet stands out clearly against the muted fabric. It can also be worn under an open collar, when you want a simple, understated look with one clear pop of colour.