Eleven faceted garnets fall into a classic, orderly line in this pendant. Each facet catches the light differently, and the stone's colour shifts from dark purple to deep red as the pendant moves against the neck. It was precisely the purity and intensity of this shade that determined the choice of these particular stones - a garnet free of flaws and clouding has a distinctly stronger character. The form stays simple, without unnecessary embellishment, so it's the stone that draws the eye.

Precious metals are rising in price, and garnets in such a saturated colour are getting harder to find today, which is why this price makes sense now. The pendant is made in vermeil: a core of refined sterling silver 925 is coated with a layer of 18-carat gold at least 5 microns thick, so it's the gold, not the silver, that touches the skin. Compliance with the vermeil standard is confirmed by the stamped V mark. The alloy contains no nickel or other harmful additives. The French maker's mark on the piece attests to the origin of the silver used to make this pendant. At 2.4 grams, the pendant remains almost unnoticeable when worn all day.

For the office, it works well with a smooth shirt in a muted shade - beige, grey or deep navy - where the stone's dark red stands out clearly against the neckline. It also looks good under a jacket with an open collar, when the chain sits loosely along the neckline. In the evening, pair the same pendant with a black dress, skipping any other jewellery at the neckline. The classic form and deep garnet colour mean this piece wears just as well at work as after hours.