The amethyst cabochon in a solitaire cut draws together a deep violet with a hint of cool purple - the colour deepens near the base of the stone and lightens towards the edges, where light catches on subtle flashes. The smooth, domed surface of the cut leads the eye without distraction, and the silver band stays narrow and clean, in a modern spirit. In Polish jewelry tradition this solitaire form carries two names - solitaire and promise - and is chosen both as a gift to oneself and as a token of affection. Craftsmen of old workshops linked the violet of amethyst with clarity of mind and inner calm, treating it as a symbol of balance.

Only a small fraction of the stones reviewed make it into this ring - the rest are set aside when the colour is uneven or the clarity falls short. Prices for silver and fine coloured stones are rising, and pieces like this one are harder to find today, which makes this purchase worth making now. The rhodium coating the silver is hard and scratch-resistant - it protects the surface from tarnishing and dulling, so the shine lasts for years. Beneath it lies pure, refined European sterling silver 925, free of nickel and other harmful metal traces - such an alloy does not irritate the skin. The piece is stamped with a maker's mark registered at the French assay office, which attests the origin of the metal.

On the hand it plays best in total black - against a black top or turtleneck, the violet of the amethyst becomes a point of light that draws the eye without any need for extra ornament. Even a single gesture of the hand is enough for the stone to catch another's glance. Its small size means the ring sits lightly on the finger and pairs well with other, more delicate bands. This is a ring for days when the outfit stays simple and the detail speaks for itself.