The turquoise cabochon draws the eye with a solid, saturated hue of the sky just before sunset. This is turquoise from the Sleeping Beauty mine in Arizona, where some of the most prized stones in the world are mined - free of matrix veining, with a pure, tranquil blue. A simple band with a modern outline keeps attention on the stone, so the whole piece stays light and striking at once.

Before this turquoise found its place in the setting, it was assessed for depth of colour and evenness of tone - only a stone like this earns a place in a solitaire ring. Silver and fine coloured stones get more expensive year after year, so buying this ring today remains a sound decision price-wise. It is set in refined European silver, sterling silver 925, coated with a layer of rhodium - which keeps the shine lasting longer and means the ring needs less everyday cleaning. A pure alloy free of nickel and other sensitising additives is kind to sensitive skin. The silver is stamped with the French maker's mark, attesting to its origin. The design works equally well as a solitaire ring or as a wedding band.

For an evening out, a hand wearing this turquoise looks best against a little black silk dress - the gesture of the hand then naturally draws attention, with no need for extra jewellery on the wrist or neck. A glass of wine, a taxi door handle, a hand resting on a table - in every case the blue of the turquoise contrasts with the black of the outfit. The medium size of the stone and the weight of 3.1 g give the ring a presence that is noticeable, yet never heavy to wear.