A lapis lazuli pendant brings a note of deep, dark navy blue to neckwear. The cabochon of this lapis lazuli has a rich, cool colour threaded with tiny flashes of golden pyrite, which catch and fade like small sparks against the dark background as the hand turns or the head tilts. The simple setting doesn't compete with the stone - the form stays classic and distinctly minimalist, just as this pendant's style calls for. Lapis lazuli has long been associated with idealism, intuition and inner harmony, making it a fitting choice for a gift with personal meaning.

For this piece we chose a stone with an even, deep colour and a minimal amount of white calcite veining, since it's the purity of colour that determines its value. Silver and good stones have been steadily rising in price in recent years, so buying a pendant like this today remains a sound decision from a pricing standpoint. At this price you get a well-finished setting and a carefully selected cabochon, a combination that's rarely found together. The pendant is made of refined sterling silver 925 with a high-purity alloy, coated with a layer of rhodium - this hard metal protects the surface from tarnishing and scratches, so the shine lasts long without frequent cleaning. The alloy contains no nickel, so wearing the pendant causes no allergies or skin irritation. The silver is stamped with the French maker's mark, attesting to the metal's origin.

The navy blue tone of the lapis lazuli pairs well with a romantic style of dress - a lace blouse, a pastel dress with a small floral print, or a light sweater in a powdery shade. The pendant sits best against a bare neckline or a low, lace collar, where the dark stone clearly draws the eye against light fabric. It also works well with a simple cotton blouse, when you want to add one striking, colourful focal point to an outfit. At 2.2 grams, the pendant sits on the neck almost unnoticeably, despite the stone's intense colour.