The labradorite cabochon opens up in the palm of your hand as a cool, dark surface, with flashes of blue and steel gliding across it with every movement. This effect only reveals itself in motion - it catches lamp light one way and daylight another. The classic, full form of this engagement ring in a very big size sets the stone as the centrepiece of the composition, with no unnecessary detailing around the setting. Labradorite has long been associated with peace of mind and self-belief - a symbol rather than an active force, but in an engagement ring it takes on extra meaning.

For this piece, a stone was chosen with an even, deep colour and a clean surface, free of flaws that would break up the play of light. Good labradorite is rising in price along with silver, so buying a stone like this at today's price already makes sense. It is set in rhodium silver - the rhodium layer is hard and resistant, protecting the surface from tarnishing and scratches, so the shine lasts for a long time. Underneath it works pure, refined European silver of 925 fineness, free of nickel and other irritant additives, which matters for sensitive skin. The French maker's mark stamped on the piece attests to the origin of the metal.

A ring like this makes sense for an evening out - with a little black dress and a silk wrap, when the hand stays at the centre of attention and the stone's cool blue contrasts with the black of the outfit. It also looks good with a simple silk blouse in cool grey or deep purple - then the blue flash of the stone immediately draws the eye. The size and weight of 6.9 g give this classic form a clear presence on the finger, without the lightness typical of delicate jewellery. This is a ring that stands up well to close contact with skin and close viewing - the longer you look at it, the more clearly you see the movement of light within the stone.