Faceted labradorite catches the eye with flashes of blue that appear across the stone's dark surface with every turn of the hand. This phenomenon - labradorescence - is most striking when light hits at an angle, and a cool, steel-grey sheen glides across the surface like a shadow on water. The solitaire form, combining the simplicity of a solitaire setting with the symbolism of a promise ring, stays quiet and minimalist, so all attention rests on the stone. In old jewellery traditions, labradorite was associated with calm thinking, inspiration and self-belief - meanings that make this ring a fitting gift with a personal message.

Every labradorite chosen for this solitaire is selected for its colour and clarity, since only stones with a clear, blue flash do justice to the full effect. Silver prices are rising, and good labradorites are becoming harder to find, so buying this ring now makes good sense price-wise. The setting is pure, refined European silver, sterling silver 925, free of nickel and other harmful additives, so it does not irritate the skin. A rhodium layer protects the silver from tarnishing and losing its shine, so the ring keeps its bright, clear lustre for a long time. The inside of the band bears the French maker's mark struck into the piece - attesting to the metal's origin.

Its small size and weight of 1.9 grams mean the ring sits on the finger almost unnoticed, until it catches the light. In spring it pairs beautifully with a pastel trench coat and a silk scarf tied loosely at the neck - a hand adjusting the scarf then reveals the stone's blue flash. Against a light-coloured handbag and a light dress in muted tones, the labradorite adds a cool, striking touch of colour. This is a ring equally at home in everyday styling and on occasions calling for a touch of elegant restraint.