The deep, dark purple of the garnet catches your eye from the very first glance in this pendant. Two faceted stones set one below the other catch the light with every turn of the hand - one moment the colour deepens almost to black, the next it brightens into a warm, reddish flash. The simple, elongated line of the setting brings a modern rhythm that sits well along the neckline and never draws attention away from the stone itself.

Only a small share of the raw material we review makes the cut for this effect - garnets are hand-selected for depth of colour and clarity, so quality goes hand in hand with a price that remains reasonable. Silver and precious metal prices have been rising for some time, so now is a good moment to buy. The pendant is made using the vermeil technique - a layer of 18-carat gold at least 5 microns thick covers a core of refined sterling silver 925 of European quality, and it is this gold, not the silver, that touches the skin directly. Compliance with the French vermeil standard is confirmed by the stamped V mark, while the French maker's mark confirms the origin of the metal. The alloy contains no allergenic additives, so the pendant can be worn without worrying about irritation.

This pendant works well for a family celebration - worn with an elegant dress with an open neckline, in the warm light of a hall or garden, the garnet takes on extra depth. It pairs nicely with classic accessories: slim earrings, a simple bracelet, without an excess of sparkling details. The modern form and intense colour of the garnet also stand out against a muted, dark outfit, where the stone's colour immediately draws the eye. At 2.3 g, the pendant stays light and comfortable to wear throughout the evening.