A cabochon-cut amethyst opens this pendant with a deep, saturated purple that thickens in shadow and lightens at the edges when light catches it from an angle. The stone's smooth, domed surface doesn't scatter the eye with facets - all the attention stays on the colour. Jewellers of old associated amethyst with clarity of mind and inner calm, treating it as a symbol of balance. The simple, slightly archaic form of the setting gives the pendant a vintage character, with no unnecessary additions around the stone.

Only a portion of the amethysts reviewed make it into production - what counts is the depth of colour and clarity within, free of flaws that would cloud the view. Silver and good stones get more expensive year on year, and a clear, deep amethyst of this size is harder to find today at a reasonable price. The setting is made of refined European 925 silver, and the pendant is signed with a maker's mark struck on the silver, registered with the French assay office - proof of the metal's origin. The alloy contains no harmful additives, so it can be worn without concern for irritation or allergic reactions.

The big cabochon works well at the height of the neckline - it's worth letting it breathe over a simple turtleneck or a shirt buttoned up to the collar, where the purple stands out against a neutral background. For a city outing, pair it with a beige trench coat and cool grey wool trousers - the pendant remains the single clear colour accent of the whole look. At 3.5 g, it doesn't weigh down the neckline, and the chain leads the eye straight to the amethyst.