Seven garnets form a dense, deep red composition in this pendant. The faceted cut draws deep flashes of light from the stone without stripping it of the dark, velvety density that is its very nature. The garnets are matched so that their shade stays even from stone to stone, which makes the whole piece read as one coherent patch of colour. The delicate, vintage silhouette of the setting doesn't draw attention away from that colour, and the pendant sits well against the neckline when worn.

Each garnet in this pendant was hand-selected for colour saturation and clarity, which, given today's steadily rising prices for good coloured stones, makes this purchase a sensible one. The setting is made of refined European silver 925, coated with a layer of rhodium that protects the surface from tarnishing and scratches, keeping the shine bright for years to come. The alloy contains no nickel or other sensitising additives, so even sensitive skin tolerates it well. The piece is stamped with the French maker's mark, which attests to the origin of the silver, offering further confirmation of European craftsmanship.

A pendant like this works well for a family celebration, where an elegant, understated form matters most. Worn with a silk or wool dress in a deep shade of garnet, it adds warmth, especially in candlelight or under a chandelier. Classic accessories - small earrings, a slim bracelet - don't steal its thunder, since it's the stone's dark red that draws the eye at the neckline. Its vintage form means the pendant looks just as good with a shirt collar as it does with the open neckline of an evening dress.