A cabochon-cut black onyx sits at the centre of this ring like a calm, matte patch of colour. Light doesn't scatter across its surface, it glides over the smooth cut instead, keeping the black deep and even. The solitaire form is simple and restrained - the silver band doesn't pull attention away from the stone, and the whole ring holds to a minimalist, confident line. Onyx has long been associated with strength, endurance and self-assurance, an association that suits jewelry of such a decisive character.

For this piece we chose a stone with a dense, even black free of streaks or discoloration, since it's the colour and clarity of onyx that determine its value. Good stones of this quality are becoming harder to find, and the price of silver and precious metals keeps rising steadily, so buying at today's price makes sense. The cabochon is set in refined sterling silver 925 of high alloy purity, coated with a layer of rhodium that protects against tarnishing and scratches. This keeps the metal's shine bright and clear for years to come. The alloy contains no nickel, a metal known to trigger allergic reactions, so the ring can be worn without worrying about skin irritation. The silver bears the French maker's mark, which attests to the origin of the metal.

On the hand, this ring looks best paired with natural fabrics. A linen shirt in a light shade or a loose-cut cotton tunic gives the black of the onyx room to draw the eye without any extra flash. It works for everyday wear with jeans and a simple sweater, and with a dark, muted outfit it becomes the natural focal point of the whole hand. The big size of the stone suits exactly this kind of understated pairing.