An amethyst cabochon opens up this small pendant with a smooth, domed surface that gathers light rather than splitting it apart. A faceted cut would break the colour into tiny sparkles, but the cabochon does the opposite: it shows off the violet in one calm plane, ranging from a bright glow at the edge to a deeper, dark purple at the stone's centre. The simple, delicate setting and modest size sit well within a vintage style, with no unnecessary ornament around the stone.

For this piece we chose an amethyst with an exceptionally clear, saturated colour and no traces of cloudiness - it was this quality, not the size of the stone, that decided the selection. Such a choice at a reasonable price matters today, since silver and good coloured stones are steadily rising in price, and pieces of this quality are becoming harder to find. The pendant is made of refined European silver 925, a pure alloy free of nickel and harmful additives, so the metal is gentle against the skin and stands up well to daily wear. The silver also carries the French maker's mark - a legally protected stamp registered with the French assay office, which attests to the metal's origin and the care taken in its European craftsmanship. In old beliefs, amethyst was associated with calm and clarity of mind, which makes it a popular choice as a gift.

For everyday wear, the pendant pairs well with an all-black look: a black turtleneck or a simple top with a plain neckline, against which the amethyst's violet immediately draws the eye. The short chain sits the stone low on the neckline, so it also works well under a shirt collar left open at the throat. In the evening it suits a satin blouse in deep black or charcoal grey, where the cool grey backdrop further brings out the stone's warm tone. It's a small but striking piece for the neckline.