A tiger's eye cabochon opens up this engagement ring, its vintage silhouette clearly built around a very big, character-filled shape. The quartz structure of the stone gives off a silky sheen known as the cat's eye effect: as the hand moves, golden-brown bands drift across the surface, as if light were choosing its own path. In old-world craft, tiger's eye was linked to stability and renewal, which is why it often found its way into rings marking a lasting decision.

We select each piece for its colour and clarity of structure, because only sharply defined bands bring out this effect in full. Silver and good stones keep rising in price, so buying a ring like this today remains a sound decision. It is set in sterling silver 925 from European refining, coated with a layer of rhodium that protects against tarnishing and keeps the shine bright for years. The alloy contains no nickel, the metal responsible for allergic reactions, so the ring does not irritate the skin. The piece is struck with the French maker's mark, which attests the origin of the silver.

For an evening out it pairs well with a little black dress and a silk blouse - in that setting the warm colour of the stone draws the eye, and the gesture of the hand gains expression. The large size of the cabochon means the ring looks good worn alone, without extra bands on the same hand. At 7.5 g it feels substantial, yet the vintage form never feels heavy. This is a ring that is remembered after a single glance at the hand.