The amber cabochon in this pendant has a rich, honey color that brightens from within under light with tiny glimmers. Deep inside the stone you can see delicate streaks, as if the resin had trapped the warmth of a long-past summer. Amber is fossilized resin, a material with a warmer character than cold minerals, and it is this that gives the whole piece its gentle, sunny hue. The simple, modern setting does not draw attention away from the stone - the pendant's line stays slender and light, ready to rest easily on the neckline. In old beliefs amber was associated with sunny warmth and success, which makes it a fitting choice for a gift with a personal message.

We assess every cabochon before it is set, looking at its clarity and depth of color, since the final effect depends on this. Good amber gets more expensive along with precious metals, so a piece of this quality at this price makes sense today. The setting is vermeil: a layer of 18-carat gold at least 5 microns thick is applied over sterling silver 925, confirmed by the stamped mark V. It is the gold, not the silver, that touches the skin, so the pendant can be worn without worrying about allergies. The silver core comes from refined European silver, and the whole piece is signed with the French maker's mark registered at the assay office, which attests to the metal's origin.

A pendant like this pairs well with a cool grey turtleneck and a loose trench coat for a day in the city - the amber brings life to a muted palette without overwhelming it. It also works well with a simple sweater under a coat, when you want to add a warm accent to your look without extra layers. It weighs just 1.8 grams, so it rests lightly and comfortably on the neckline all day long.