The vintage silhouette of this engagement ring carries a labradorite cabochon, its surface playing with a dark, blue glow. The labradorescence reveals itself with every movement of the hand - streaks of cool, steely light drift across the stone's dark background and vanish as the angle of light shifts. The big size of the setting brings out this play of reflections well, and the form echoes retro lines in which the stone takes centre stage. Labradorite has long been associated with peace of mind, self-confidence and inspiration - an association, not a promise of effect, but in an engagement ring it takes on extra meaning.

A labradorite of this kind, with such a rich blue glow and clean surface, is easy to overlook, yet another like it is hard to find later. Silver prices are rising, and good stones of this type are becoming rarer, so buying one today remains a sensible price. It is set in refined European silver, sterling silver 925, of high alloy purity - free of nickel, which triggers allergic reactions, so the ring does not cause allergies. The surface is protected by a layer of rhodium, a hard, scratch-resistant metal, so the shine does not fade with everyday wear. The French maker's mark on the metal is a guarantee of the quality and origin of the silver from which the ring is made. A weight of 5.6 g gives it a noticeable, yet unusual presence on the finger.

For a meeting in town it pairs well with a trench coat and a turtleneck in cool, neutral tones - grey and beige give the labradorite room to play. A gloved hand with the ring exposed, or a relaxed gesture over a cup of coffee, lets the reflection reveal itself fully. In the evening, with a simple little black dress, the stone draws the eye without needing further adornment. It is a ring that, in an understated styling, can do the most.