This lapis lazuli pendant sets the stone's deep, saturated navy against a slender, distinctly vintage silhouette of the silver setting. The cabochon cut smooths the surface and lets light glide across it without breaking, which is why you get that dense, even glow rather than the sharp flashes typical of faceted stones. Delicate, golden flecks of pyrite, where they appear, only underline the depth of this dark, purplish-navy colour. In ancient Egypt lapis lazuli was linked with intuition and harmony, and its colour was taken as a symbol of idealism - an association that still gives the stone the character of a fine gift today.

Only a stone with the colour and clarity that earned it a place in this pendant makes the cut - no grey undertones, with an even, deep hue across the whole surface of the cabochon. Silver and good stones keep rising in price, and pieces with this intensity of colour are becoming harder to find, so buying at this price makes sense today. The setting is made of refined European silver, and the 925 fineness confirms the purity of the alloy - free of nickel and other harmful additives that could irritate the skin. The silver is stamped with the French maker's mark - a legally protected mark registered with the French assay office, attesting to the metal's origin.

This big pendant works well in a total-black look - a black turtleneck or a simple top with an open neckline makes the best backdrop for this colour. Against dark fabric, the navy of the lapis lazuli becomes the first thing the eye catches. For work it pairs well with a sleek blazer, and in the evening it looks good against a silk blouse in a cool shade of grey. At 6.2 grams, the pendant sits well on the neckline and won't drag the chain to one side.