This solitaire ring with amethyst plays with deep purple at every turn of the hand. The cabochon draws light to a single point and scatters it into soft flashes as you shift your viewing angle - a genuine play of colour, not an artificial effect. The classic solitaire form, also known as a solitaire and promise ring, puts the full accent on the stone, while the silver band stays a modest backdrop for its rich hue.

The amethyst chosen for this ring was examined on its own and judged worth setting - clean, with a deep, even purple free of flaws. Silver and precious metals rise in price year after year, and stones of this quality are harder to find today, so a purchase like this makes sense right now. In many jewellery traditions amethyst was regarded as a symbol of calm and clarity of mind - hence its association with engagement and keepsake rings. The metal is sterling silver 925, refined in Europe, coated with a layer of rhodium that protects the surface from tarnishing and scratches, so the ring needs cleaning less often. The alloy contains no nickel, the metal most likely to cause skin reactions, so the piece can be worn without worry. The whole weighs 2.4 g, and the piece bears the French maker's mark, which guarantees the origin of the metal.

A ring like this feels at home at a family celebration - with an elegant dress, in the warm glow of candlelight, alongside classic silver accessories. On the hand it works discreetly, until a gesture - a raised glass, a touch on the arm of someone close - reveals the depth of the amethyst. It also suits simpler everyday looks, when you want to carry with you something more than an accessory - a small, personal symbol.