This blue topaz pendant pairs a simple, minimalist setting with a stone of cool, saturated colour. The faceted cut divides the surface of the topaz into small facets that catch the light differently with every turn of the head, casting brief flashes of blue. The compact size of the stone and the delicate chain let the pendant sit close to the neck without overwhelming the neckline.

This particular shade of topaz, at once clear and deep, doesn't turn up in every batch of stones - a good specimen is easy to miss, and a second one in the same colour can be hard to find afterwards. Prices for silver and quality coloured stones are steadily rising, so buying at today's price makes sense. The setting is vermeil - refined sterling silver 925 covered with a thick layer of 18-carat gold, confirmed by the struck V mark. It's the gold, not the silver, that touches the skin, so you can wear the pendant without worrying about the irritation or allergic reactions that cheaper nickel-alloy pieces can cause. The metal is also stamped with the French maker's mark establishing the piece's origin, registered at the assay office in France.

This pendant works well for family celebrations - worn with a dress that shows the neckline, in the warmth of artificial or evening light, the blue of the topaz gains in intensity. It's worth pairing it with classic, small earrings and skipping other neck jewellery, so the neckline stays clean. The simple form keeps the topaz as the main focus of the whole look, visible both up close and from a distance.