The deep, saturated navy blue of the lapis lazuli catches the eye the moment it rests on your hand. The cabochon cut smooths the surface of the stone and reveals fine, golden flecks of pyrite that break up the dark hue. The classic solitaire form brings a calm, striking focal point to any look, free of unnecessary embellishment. Lapis lazuli has long been associated with intuition and inner harmony, and in some cultures was regarded as a symbol of idealism.

Before a stone is set, we examine it for colour and clarity - what matters is the intensity of the navy blue and as few pale calcite inclusions as possible. Silver and good coloured stones rise in price year after year, so buying a ring like this today remains a sensible decision. The stone is set in refined 925 silver of European quality, further coated with a layer of rhodium - a hard metal that protects the surface from scratches and keeps the shine far longer than silver alone. The alloy contains no additives known to cause allergic reactions, so the ring can be worn without concern for skin irritation. The metal is stamped with the French maker's mark - a legally protected mark registered at the French assay office, attesting to its origin.

Styled with an all-black look - a black top or a simple turtleneck - the navy blue of the lapis lazuli becomes a point of light on the hand, standing out clearly against the rest of the outfit. A hand in motion, gesturing or holding a glass, further reveals the depth of the stone. The medium-sized ring, weighing 3.3 g, sits lightly on the finger, never overwhelming the hand with its form. It's a fitting choice both for office wear and for an evening out, when the black of an outfit finds its complement in the cool navy blue of the stone.