This lapis lazuli pendant brings out the stone's deep, saturated navy blue, threaded through with golden veins of pyrite. The cabochon cut plays up that depth - light catches on the domed surface and reveals tiny glints of gold within the dark body of the stone. The very big, striking form set in rhodium silver has a distinctly vintage and bohemian character, and works beautifully as a statement piece at the neckline.

Only a small portion of the raw material examined makes it into production - what matters is the intensity of colour and the purity of the stone's structure, so quality goes hand in hand with a reasonable price. Silver and precious metals are rising in price, and good stones like this one are becoming harder to find, so today's price makes sense. The stone is set in pure, refined sterling silver 925 - it's this fineness that confirms the purity of the alloy, free of nickel and harmful additives, so the metal is gentle on the skin. The rhodium layer protects the surface from scratches and tarnishing, keeping the shine visible for a long time. The French maker's mark struck on the piece attests to the origin of the metal. Lapis lazuli has long been associated with intuition, idealism and inner harmony - a symbolism worth keeping in mind when choosing a gift.

For everyday wear, it looks great with a linen shirt open at the neck or a loose cotton dress in a muted shade - the stone's deep navy blue draws the eye against natural fabrics. For a more relaxed, bohemian look, pair it with a suede vest or fringing. The pendant's large size means it needs no extra jewelry at the neckline - just a simple chain is enough to keep the stone the centre of attention.