A rose quartz cabochon opens up a ring with a distinctly retro look. The smooth, domed surface catches the light and casts it back in gentle glints, while the colour shifts from pale pink to a deeper, warm hue as the hand moves. The vintage silhouette of the band, slightly rounded and full of soft lines, recalls jewellery-making from decades past while still sitting comfortably on today's hand. It's a shape chosen for engagements and as part of a wedding set, when you want character different from the classic diamond.

Every stone is graded before it's set - clarity and evenness of colour are what count, so only a specimen of exceptional quality makes it into the ring, while the price stays reasonable. Silver and precious metals have been steadily rising in price in recent years, so buying at this price today makes sense. The base is refined sterling silver 925 of high alloy purity, free of nickel and other allergenic additives, so the ring can be worn without worrying about irritation. A rhodium layer protects the surface from tarnishing and losing its shine for years to come. The metal bears a maker's mark registered with the French assay office, which attests to the origin of the piece. Rose quartz has long been associated with love, tenderness and harmonious relationships, making it a fitting choice for this very occasion.

It looks best in an all-black styling - against a black turtleneck or a simple black top, the pink cabochon becomes a point of light on the hand, visible with every gesture. It also works well with a dark sweater, hand resting loosely around a cup of coffee, where the subtle pink of the stone softens the coolness of the whole look. At a light 3.8 g, the ring wears comfortably all day long.