This vermeil ring lines up seven blue topaz stones in a row along a narrow band. The faceted cut breaks light into tiny facets, and the blue of the topaz shifts from a cool, pale tone to a deeper, richer colour at the stones' edges. The retro rhythm of the seven stones and the delicate, very small form recall evening rings from decades past, and the row of multiple stones set in a single line gives it the character of multi-stone rings and engagement pieces, though it works just as well as a standalone ring for everyday wear.

Each of the seven topazes was chosen so that colour and clarity line up evenly across the row, giving the ring a high-quality look at a reasonable price. Silver and precious metals are rising in price, and good stones are becoming scarcer, so a stone set like this at this price is worth considering now. Beneath the gold lies refined European silver 925, and the whole piece is coated in a thick, fine layer of 18-carat gold confirmed by the struck V mark - it is the gold, not the silver, that touches the skin, so even with extended wear you needn't worry about irritation or allergic reactions. The French maker's mark on the piece is a guarantee of the quality and origin of the precious metal.

This ring feels most at home on an evening out - with the little black dress and a silk blouse, when the hand lifts a glass or fastens the clasp of an evening bag. The cool blue of the topaz pairs well with navy and deep grey, and being set in a silvery metal, it avoids clashing with other jewellery, so all it needs is one simple bracelet alongside it. At 2.0 grams, the seven stones sit lightly on the hand, and the vintage form stays comfortable all evening long.