This lapis lazuli engagement ring pairs the stone's dense, dark purplish-navy colour with a clearly defined, vintage silhouette of the setting. The cabochon cut leaves the surface unbroken by facets, so light glides gently across it and reveals the fine golden flecks embedded deep within the stone. In traditional jewellery craft, lapis lazuli was associated with idealism, intuition and inner harmony - an association, not a promise, but one that suits the character of a ring worn on the hand as a symbol of engagement and marriage.

For this piece we chose a stone with a dense, uniform colour free of lighter discolouration, since purity of tone is what defines its beauty. Silver and good stones are rising in price, and lapis lazuli of this quality is becoming harder to find today, so a purchase like this makes sense now. The setting is crafted from refined sterling silver 925 of high alloy purity, free of nickel and other additives that could irritate the skin. A rhodium layer protects the surface from tarnishing and scratches, so the ring needs less everyday cleaning and keeps its shine legible for a long time. The metal bears the maker's mark registered with the French assay office, which attests to the origin of the piece.

In office wear it pairs well with a smooth shirt and a blazer in muted grey or navy - the stone's dark purple doesn't shout, but quietly draws the eye with every movement of the hand. It also works well with a simple sweater in a cool shade, where the cool grey background sets off the depth of the lapis lazuli. As an engagement and wedding ring, it combines a vintage form with a weight of 4.7 grams, which feels solid on the finger but never heavy.