The deep, dark navy blue of the lapis lazuli in this pendant is broken up by fine flecks of pyrite that catch the light like scattered sparks against a dark background. The cabochon cut lets that colour spread smoothly, without sharp edges, and the very big form of the stone means the pendant makes a bold, retro statement at the neckline. The vintage silhouette of the setting recalls old jewelry in which the stone was the main feature, not an afterthought. Lapis lazuli has long been associated with idealism and intuition, and its deep hue linked to harmony - an association that is still easy to feel in this particular stone.

Only a portion of the sorted raw material goes into production, the part with the purest, most even colour, which is why the quality of this lapis lazuli remains high despite the accessible price. Silver and precious metals are rising in price, and good stones are becoming harder to find, so buying a pendant like this now makes sense price-wise. The setting is made of pure, refined sterling silver 925 of European craftsmanship, and a rhodium layer protects it from scratches and loss of shine for years to come. The alloy contains no nickel or other allergenic metal additives, so the pendant can be worn without worrying about skin irritation. The metal is stamped with a maker's mark registered with the French assay office, which attests to its origin.

In spring, this pendant pairs well with a pastel trench coat and a silk scarf tied loosely at the neck - the navy of the stone stands out against the light tones of the outfit and draws the eye. A light-coloured bag and a simple, delicate blouse that leaves the neckline open complete the look. In the evening, the same stone looks striking against a dark, sleekly cut dress. The large size of the cabochon means the pendant needs no additional jewelry at the neck - it just needs room to show off the full depth of its colour.