The deep purple of the amethyst catches the eye at first glance. The cabochon cut rounds off the surface of the stone and lets light spread softly across it, without sharp refractions - in bright light you can see deep flashes of purple, while in shadow the colour thickens almost to violet-black. The simple, slightly irregular setting and thin chain give the pendant a relaxed, bohemian character, in which the metal remains just a backdrop for the stone. In old beliefs, amethyst was associated with calm and clarity of mind, treated as a symbol of inner balance.

The choice of this stone came down to colour and clarity - a specimen free of cloudiness, with an even, deep purple hue, going on sale at a price that remains reasonable despite rising costs. Silver and good coloured stones get more expensive year by year, and stones like this one are increasingly rare, so today's price makes sense. The pendant is made of refined European sterling silver 925, an alloy free of nickel and other metals that irritate the skin, so it can be worn without worrying about irritation. The piece is stamped with the French maker's mark, which guarantees the origin of the metal.

This piece of jewellery sits well against the neck with a loose turtleneck or under an open trench coat, where an exposed neckline gives it room to stand out. Neutral colours - beige, grey, deep navy - bring out the purple of the amethyst best, creating a calm yet striking contrast. It works well for a meeting in town or an afternoon coffee, when you want an understated outfit with one clear focal point for the eye. The pendant is medium in size and weighs 3.1 grams, so it wears lightly all day long.