A vermeil pendant draws out what is most precious in amethyst - the depth of violet and the play of light that the facets release with every movement. The faceted cut does not hide the stone behind a smooth surface; instead it spreads light across dozens of small planes, and the colour shifts in intensity depending on the angle. The minimal setting does not compete with the stone - all attention stays with the violet. That is contemporary French elegance: the form steps back, and the stone leads the eye.

The choice of this piece came down to colour and clarity - a saturated violet, free of cloudiness, that works to its full depth in the facets. Silver is rising in price, and amethysts of this clarity are becoming increasingly rare, so today's price is genuinely reasonable. The core of the pendant is refined European sterling silver 925, covered with a layer of at least 5 microns of 18-carat gold - this gold is what touches the skin, and the alloy, free from allergenic metal additives, means the pendant can be worn without concern about irritation. Vermeil compliance is confirmed by the stamped V mark. The piece is signed with the French maker's mark attesting its origin, registered at the French assay office. Amethyst has traditionally been associated with a clear mind and inner balance - an association that makes it a popular choice as a gift.

For everyday wear, the pendant pairs beautifully with a natural-toned linen shirt or a relaxed cotton sweatshirt with a round neckline - the violet of the amethyst brings muted fabrics to life and clearly defines the neckline. With a deeper neckline, the gold setting and faceted stone create an accent expressive enough to need nothing else alongside it.