The deep violet of the amethyst in this pendant shifts in places into dark purple, and the cabochon cut brings out this colour without scattering it through facets. The stone's very big form, set in silver, sits well on the neckline and catches the eye at first glance. A vintage silhouette and boho character come together here in a form that looks like a find from old jewellery, though it is made in the present day. The stone has long been associated with calm and clarity of mind - it was once worn as a symbol of inner balance.

Only a small portion of the sorted raw material goes into the piece - what matters is depth of colour and clarity of the stone, free of clouding, which is why the quality of the amethyst stays high despite the accessible price. Silver and good stones are steadily getting more expensive, so buying a pendant like this today is a sound decision price-wise. The pendant is made of pure, refined sterling silver 925, free of nickel and other metals that irritate the skin, so wearing it causes no irritation. The French maker's mark struck on the piece attests the origin of the metal.

A pendant like this sits well in weekend layering - under a loose oversized sweater in natural beige, or over a thin scarf draped across the shoulders, where the violet of the amethyst enlivens a muted palette. It also works with a linen shirt worn with an open collar, when the neckline is left bare. In cooler months it pairs well with a thick turtleneck, whose simple cut does not draw attention away from the stone. This is jewellery for quiet autumn days, when comfortable layering and one striking detail at the neckline are what matter.