This lapis lazuli engagement ring pairs a vintage silhouette with the stone's deep, dark navy colour. As the hand moves, the lapis lazuli cabochon reveals golden flecks of pyrite and subtle glimmers of lighter blue against the rich, dark navy surface. In old-world craftsmanship this stone was linked to idealism, intuition and harmony, which makes it a fitting choice as a symbol of engagement. The very big size of the setting means the stone catches the eye immediately on the finger.

Every lapis lazuli is assessed before it is set, before it ever reaches the jeweller's hands - what matters is depth of colour and clarity of surface, free of lighter discolouration. Silver and good coloured stones get more expensive year on year, so deciding to buy now at a reasonable price makes sense. The stone is set in refined European silver 925, and a layer of rhodium protects this surface from tarnishing and losing its shine for years to come. The French maker's mark on the metal is a guarantee of the silver's quality and origin.

A ring like this works well for a family celebration - with an elegant dress in warm candlelight, alongside classic silver or pearl accessories. The navy cabochon draws attention with every gesture, as the hand lifts a glass or touches the arm of a loved one. The vintage form and the stone's striking size pair well with a simple, understated style, without an excess of other jewellery on the same hand.