Faceted black onyx catches the light differently to most dark stones - as the hand turns, its facets flash for a moment before settling back into a deep, matte black. This solitaire ring is very small in scale, its form so simple that nothing more needs to be added. The minimalist band in rhodium-plated 925 silver keeps the focus on the stone, and the whole piece comes together in a light, modern shape made for everyday wear as well as special occasions.

Only a small share of the graded rough makes it into this onyx - what matters is the depth of black and the purity of the surface, without the slightest scratch or cloudiness. Good stones of this calibre are getting harder to find, and the price of silver and precious metals keeps rising, so buying at this price makes sense right now. Craftsmen have long linked black onyx with strength, endurance and self-confidence, treating it as a stone for tougher moments. The ring is set in refined silver of European quality, sterling silver 925, and a layer of rhodium protects the surface from tarnishing and scratches, so the shine lasts and rarely needs cleaning. The alloy is pure, free of nickel, which is most often responsible for skin reactions, so the ring can be worn with confidence. The piece is stamped with the French maker's mark establishing its origin, registered with the assay office in France.

For an evening out, pair it with a little black dress and a silk blouse - the onyx on the hand takes centre stage here, so it's worth keeping the rest of the jewellery to a minimum. It also works with a dark blazer and a satin shirt, when a clean, striking line is what the look calls for. This small solitaire holds up just as well to an evening gesture as to the everyday movement of the hand.