This vintage ring set with tiger's eye plays with a silky shimmer that glides across the surface of the cabochon with every movement of the hand. It's the phenomenon known as the cat's eye effect - bands of gold and brown settle into narrow streaks that brighten and fade in turn. Sixteen small cubic zirconia stones run around the central stone, adding a light sparkle to the whole without drawing attention away from the gem. The rounded, retro silhouette of the band and setting recalls old-world jewelry craftsmanship, in which tiger's eye was linked to stability and inner balance - hence its place among engagement and promise rings.

A stone of this quality and with such distinct banding is easy to miss, and a second, equally well-matched piece is hard to find afterwards. Silver and precious metals rise in price year after year, which makes this purchase a sensible choice today. The ring is crafted from pure, refined sterling silver 925 of European craftsmanship, and a rhodium layer protects the surface from tarnishing and loss of shine for years to come. The alloy is free of nickel and other irritating additives, so it can be worn without worry of skin irritation. The piece is stamped with the French maker's mark, which establishes the origin of the piece and is registered with the assay office in France.

Day to day, the ring sits well with a soft, chunky-knit sweater, especially in monochromatic pairings - beige, camel, deep grey. On a hand dressed in such tones, the bands of tiger's eye gain expression with every gesture. It also pairs beautifully with a linen shirt rolled up to the elbow, where the warm colour of the stone harmonizes with the natural fabric. A cabochon with such distinctive banding and cut is hard to mistake for any other - it's this stone that defines the character of the whole look.