The lapis lazuli cabochon in this pendant reveals a deep, saturated navy blue with fine flecks of gold scattered across its surface like little sparks. Set in silver, the piece has a distinctly retro character - the thicker outline of the setting and the quiet line of the chain recall designs from decades past, without unnecessary flourishes. In ancient cultures lapis lazuli was linked to intuition and harmony; today the same stone simply draws the eye with its depth.

Each cabochon was inspected individually before being set - what matters here is purity of colour and an even distribution of the golden flecks, not a random pick from a batch. Prices for silver and fine coloured stones rise year after year, so buying this pendant now makes sense price-wise. The refined European silver 925 set within it is free of nickel and other harmful additives, so the metal does not irritate the skin even with prolonged contact against the neckline. The silver, stamped with the French maker's mark, attests to the origin of the metal, while the rhodium coating on the surface protects it from tarnishing and keeps its shine for a long time. The cabochon's big size and the pendant's weight of 3.5 grams give it a noticeable but not overwhelming presence on the neck.

For an evening out it works well with a little black dress with an open neckline or with a silk blouse free of extra ornamentation - the navy of the stone then takes centre stage in the look. It also pairs well with a dark, simple blazer worn in the evening, where the cool grey of the fabric sets off the depth of the lapis lazuli. This pendant wears as a quiet yet striking element of an evening outfit.