The black onyx cabochon opens up a deep, matte-gleaming surface where light plays in narrow flashes without ever scattering. The ring's vintage silhouette - a full, rounded band in enameled silver - gives the whole piece the weighty form typical of old-fashioned promise and engagement rings. The stone's big size shows off this dark, solid colour to good effect, with no streaks or translucent patches, which is obvious the moment you turn your hand.

The onyx for this ring is chosen for colour uniformity, so the cabochon has no lighter streaks or cracks visible in daylight. Good stones of this class are becoming harder to find, and silver prices are rising, so buying at this price makes practical sense today. The band is made of refined European silver 925, hand-coated with enamel, and the alloy, free of nickel and other harmful additions, doesn't irritate the skin even after many hours of wear. The silver bears the French maker's mark, attesting to its origin. Onyx has long been associated with strength of character, perseverance and self-confidence - in many cultures it was considered a protective stone.

Styled for the office, the ring pairs well with a smooth shirt and a jacket in a muted, dark shade - black onyx clashes with nothing, and its matte depth catches the eye with every movement of the hand. It also suits a cool grey or charcoal wool sweater, where the rounded, vintage form of the band looks like a piece worn for years. As a promise or engagement ring it works discreetly yet assertively - the large onyx cabochon needs no extra embellishment to draw attention.