A garnet in a deep purple hue opens up this solitaire ring almost like a sealed drop of wine. The faceted cut draws deep glints from the stone that shift in intensity with every movement of the hand. The solitaire form was conceived with a minimalist eye - a narrow band that doesn't draw attention away from the stone, but simply frames it. This is a piece of jewelry with very small proportions, weighing 1.5 grams, that sits on the finger as a light, discreet detail.

Only a small fraction of the reviewed raw material makes it into a setting like this - what matters is the depth of colour and the clarity within the stone, so the selection process is strict. Prices for silver and fine stones have risen in recent years, so buying now is a sound decision without needing to speculate about the future. The ring is made of refined sterling silver 925, coated with a layer of rhodium that protects the surface from tarnishing and scratches - meaning it needs less everyday cleaning. The French maker's mark confirms the origin of this metal, and the pure alloy, free of allergenic additives, allows the ring to be worn without worry of skin irritation.

For a family celebration, this garnet pairs beautifully with an elegant dress in deep burgundy or bottle green - the warm glow of candlelight or a chandelier brings out the purple in the stone even further. A hand adorned with such a subtle solitaire also suits classic accessories - small earrings or a slim bracelet - without risk of overdoing the look. This garnet in its setting works just as well for a handshake as it does for the quiet moment when a hand rests on the table during a family gathering.