The deep, saturated blue of lapis lazuli catches the eye right away in this pendant with its modern, clean-lined form. The cabochon cut doesn't scatter the colour across facets, but lets it spread across a smooth surface, where here and there tiny golden flecks catch the light. This deep navy with a violet undertone has long been associated with intuition, idealism and inner harmony. The simple mounting doesn't compete for attention with the stone, keeping the whole piece light and distinctly contemporary.

Only a small share of the raw material reviewed makes it into a pendant like this - what matters is a uniform, deep colour without lighter patches. Prices for silver and fine coloured stones are rising, and lapis lazuli in such a pure shade is getting harder to find, so this piece at a reasonable price is worth considering now. For this price you get carefully selected stone and solid craftsmanship, not a random equivalent from just any batch. The setting is made of refined European silver 925, and a rhodium layer protects it from tarnishing and losing its shine for years to come. The maker's mark stamped on the silver, registered with the French assay office, attests to the metal's origin. A pure alloy free of nickel and other allergenic additives means the pendant can be worn without worry about skin irritation.

A pendant like this works beautifully for a family celebration - with an elegant dress with an open neckline, in warmer evening light, where the stone's navy-purple depth really comes into its own. It pairs well with classic accessories: silver stud earrings and a narrow bracelet, without piling on extra jewellery around the neck. A cool grey sweater or a simple black dress lets the shade of lapis lazuli really show. Five grams of silver and the stone's noticeable size give the pendant a presence on the neckline that's felt, but never overdone.