This vermeil pendant with an amethyst catches the light in facets with every turn of the head. The stone shows a dark, saturated purple, and its faceted cut catches light and reflects it in small glints rather than off one flat surface. The minimalist pendant keeps attention undivided - its simple form leaves room for the stone's colour along the neckline.

For this piece we chose an amethyst with a deep, even colour and high clarity, without a trace of cloudiness. Silver and good coloured stones are rising in price, and stones of this clarity are becoming harder to find, so this pendant is a sound choice at today's price. The base is refined sterling silver 925 - it is the fineness mark that confirms the purity of the alloy - plated, in line with the vermeil standard, with a layer of 18-carat gold at least 5 microns thick, as confirmed by the stamped V mark. It is the gold, not the silver, that touches the skin, so the surface feels smooth and refined to the touch. The French maker's mark stamped on the piece attests to the origin of the metal. Amethyst has long been associated with calm and clarity of mind, seen as a symbol of inner balance.

In summer it pairs well with a linen dress in a light écru shade or a plain-cut cotton shirt - an open neckline gives the stone room to play with the light. Against light, flowing cuts, the amethyst's dark purple stands out clearly against cool grey or beige. The pendant weighs 1.3 grams and is medium in size, so it wears easily, without weighing on the neck through the day.