The rich violet of a cabochon-cut amethyst opens up against a silver setting with a vintage look. The stone has a smooth, domed surface that gathers light into a single point and reveals the depth of its colour without scattering it. Amethyst has long been associated with calm and clarity of mind - a simple, legible symbol, not a promise of effect. A delicate chain lets the pendant fall naturally at the neckline, and its form echoes old, feminine designs without any heaviness.

A stone of this kind, with such even, deep colour and clarity, is easy to overlook - and hard to match once it's gone. Silver and good coloured stones are rising in price, so buying at today's price makes sense. The piece is made of refined European silver 925, and a rhodium layer protects the surface against tarnishing and scratches, so the shine lasts for years. The alloy contains no nickel, the metal most often responsible for skin reactions, so the pendant can be worn without worry. On the back of the piece is stamped the French maker's mark, registered with the assay office, which attests to the origin of the metal.

In spring, this pendant pairs well with a pastel trench coat and a silk scarf tied loosely at the neck - the violet of the amethyst echoed in the tone of the accessories. With a light-coloured bag and a simple dress in a muted shade, the stone adds a clear accent without overstatement. Against a bare neckline or a shirt collar, the pendant falls naturally, drawing attention to the line of the neck. It's a piece of jewellery that fits easily into an everyday spring look - from morning through to an evening out.