This ruby ring plays with a deep red that concentrates right at the heart of the faceted cut. This way of cutting doesn't scatter the colour into small, flickering points - instead it draws light deep into the stone and delivers one saturated shade of crimson without a trace of grey. The minimalist, classic band doesn't distract from that effect. Such simplicity of form suits a promise ring well - it's meant to stay on the hand for a long time, not just for a single occasion.

For this ring we chose a ruby that was examined for clarity and depth of colour before being set. Good rubies are becoming harder to find, and the prices of silver and precious metals keep rising, so buying at today's price makes sense. The stone is set in refined European 925 silver, bearing a maker's mark registered at the French assay office - it is this mark that attests to the metal's origin. A layer of rhodium protects the surface against tarnishing and scratches, so the ring needs less everyday cleaning and keeps its shine longer. The alloy contains no nickel, the metal most often responsible for skin reactions, so the ring can be worn without worrying about that.

This ruby feels at home in summer, when the hand emerges from the sleeve of a linen dress in a light, broken shade of white or sand. The stone's red gains in intensity then, since the background stays calm and cool in tone. Its very small size and weight of 2.0 g mean the ring sits on the finger almost unnoticed, even as the stone catches the eye with every gesture. It's a good choice for a simple summer look where the movement of the hand matters.