This engagement ring with a vintage silhouette draws out the amber's warm, honeyed depth. Viewed against the light before it was set, the stone revealed a rich colour - from pale honey through to a dark purple at its core, with glimmers that shift with every movement of the hand. The cabochon cut doesn't scatter this effect but concentrates it, and the full, substantial form of the metal recalls the old-world, hand-crafted look of engagement rings of the past. Amber is fossilised resin, an organic material with a one-of-a-kind pattern inside, which is why every piece looks different.

The stone for this ring was hand-selected with attention to clarity and depth of colour, since specimens like this are becoming harder to find. Silver and precious metals are rising in price, and good amber is increasingly hard to source, so buying at today's price makes sense. The piece is built on refined sterling silver 925 of European quality, coated with a layer of at least five microns of 18-carat gold - it's the gold, not the silver, that touches the skin, and its presence is confirmed by the struck V mark. The alloy contains no nickel, the metal most commonly responsible for irritation, so the ring can be worn without worry. The piece is stamped with the French maker's mark establishing the metal's origin, registered with the assay office in France.

Amber, long present in Baltic craftsmanship, has been linked with sunny warmth and success - an association that suits an engagement ring perfectly. On the hand, it looks best surrounded by soft knitwear: a chunky jumper in ecru, beige or deep grey brings out the warmth of the stone, especially in calm, monochromatic outfits. The large size of the stone pairs well with a simple gesture, hands folded in the lap or wrapped around a coffee cup, where the amber catches the light from the side. This is a ring equally suited to everyday wear and evenings out.