The black onyx cabochon in this ring has a smooth, polished surface that doesn't scatter light but draws it into one deep point on the hand. The cabochon cut shows no internal flaws or flashes - it brings out a pure, matte-glossy black, without breaking the surface into facets. The solitaire form with its simple, retro band gives the whole piece a vintage character, as if the stone came from another era while the setting was made only now. It's a design you can wear as an everyday solitaire or as an engagement ring.

We chose the black onyx for this solitaire one by one, examining each stone against the light to find a piece with an even, unbroken black free of lighter streaks. This kind of selection and careful craftsmanship at this price point is rare, since silver and good jewelry stones get more expensive year after year. It's set in refined silver of European assay quality 925, additionally coated with rhodium - the rhodium layer protects the surface against tarnishing and scratches, so the shine stays clear for years to come. The alloy contains no nickel or other harmful metal additives, so the skin under the ring doesn't react with irritation. The metal is stamped with the French maker's mark, which attests to its origin. In old jewelry tradition, black onyx was associated with strength, endurance and confidence.

For a meeting in town it pairs well with a trench coat and a cool grey turtleneck - the dark stone on the hand acts as a quiet counterpoint to smooth, neutral fabrics. It also suits a hand wearing a simple watch on a leather strap alongside a slim second ring on the neighbouring finger. At 2.2 grams, the ring sits light and doesn't weigh down the hand, despite the stone's clear, dark presence.