This vintage amethyst ring draws the eye with a soft, rounded silhouette that echoes jewellery forms of the past. The amethyst cabochon does not break light into small sparkles the way a faceted cut does. Instead, it gathers the light across one smooth surface, so the colour appears deeper, with the violet shifting in places into a dark purple. This form sits well on the hand and does not distract with tiny reflections, letting the eye rest on the stone itself. In jewellery tradition, amethyst has long been associated with calm and clarity of mind, which is why it is a popular choice for wedding and engagement rings.

Only a small share of the rough stone reviewed makes it into this ring - what matters is depth of colour and clarity, without the slightest cloudiness. The price of silver and of good coloured stones rises year after year, and finding amethyst of this quality is becoming harder, so today's price remains reasonable. The stone is set in pure, refined sterling silver 925, coated with a layer of rhodium, a hard metal that protects the surface from tarnishing and scratches, so the shine lasts. The alloy contains no nickel or other harmful additives, so wearing the ring does not irritate the skin. The piece is stamped with the French maker's mark, registered with the assay office, which attests to the origin of the metal.

In summer, this ring pairs well with a flowing linen dress in a light ecru shade or a simple cotton shirt - in such a look, the hand is drawn immediately to the deep violet of the stone. It also works well with light linen trousers and sandals, where cool grey accents bring out the depth of the amethyst. The vintage form and medium size make the ring comfortable to wear every day, and its weight of 4.4 g remains almost unnoticeable on the finger.