A deep, dark navy in a faceted cut holds a rich purple that shifts to an almost black shade in the light. This solitaire ring has a minimalist form - the narrow band doesn't draw attention away from the stone but leads the eye straight to its centre. Garnet has long been associated with strength and passion, and here that symbolism takes on a calm, almost austere simplicity.

We chose the stone for this ring for its depth of colour and clarity - a piece like this is easy to overlook, and another of similar richness isn't always easy to find. Silver and precious metals are rising in price, and good stones are becoming scarcer on the market, so buying now makes sense price-wise. The core of the ring is refined European silver 925 of high alloy purity, coated with a thick layer of 18-carat gold - it's the gold, not the silver, that touches the skin, as confirmed by the V mark struck on the piece in accordance with the vermeil standard. The alloy contains no nickel, the metal most often responsible for allergic reactions, so the piece does not cause allergic reactions. The piece is signed with the maker's mark struck on the metal and registered with the French assay office.

A ring like this pairs well with weekend layers - a chunky oversized sweater, a wool scarf, a quiet palette of greys and beiges. On the hand, in relaxed everyday dress, the garnet draws more attention than it would alongside an elaborate outfit. Its very small, delicate form means the ring wears light, almost unnoticeable, until the light catches it.