A warm, honey-brown tiger's eye cabochon looks out from this silver ring like a ray of sunlight caught inside the stone. This variety of quartz has a silky sheen and the characteristic cat's eye effect: as you turn your hand, a narrow band of light drifts across the depths of the stone, growing brighter and dimmer in turn. The shape of the ring draws on a boho and vintage aesthetic: a smooth band, a simple setting, nothing to distract from the stone itself. It is a design that works equally well as an engagement or a wedding ring, for couples who prefer a natural stone to a classic diamond.

Only a small fraction of the raw material examined makes it into a setting like this one - what matters is the density of the fibres and the clarity of the pattern, which is why choosing the stone takes longer than setting it. Prices for silver and for fine natural stones keep rising steadily, and pieces with a pronounced sheen are becoming harder to find, so this is a good time to buy. The ring is made of refined sterling silver 925 with a high-purity alloy - free of nickel and other additives that irritate the skin, which matters when wearing it on the finger for long periods. The silver bears the French maker's mark, which attests the metal's origin.

Tiger's eye has long been associated with stability and inner balance, which fits well with the spirit of an engagement or a wedding. In the evening, the ring pairs well with a little black dress and a silk blouse - against a simple, understated outfit, it is the movement of the hand and the flashes of light in the stone that catch the eye. At 6.8 g and with its larger stone size, the ring feels distinctly present on the finger without being heavy - jewellery with character, noticeable both up close and from a distance.