This vintage ring with an amethyst plays with depth of purple - cut as a cabochon, the stone shows a rich, dark shade of violet that deepens at the edges and lightens toward the centre. Ten small cubic zirconias are set around it, catching the light and surrounding the central stone with a delicate halo of sparkle. The retro line of the band and the softly rounded setting recall old-fashioned design, giving the piece a personal rather than mass-produced character. This is a ring meant as an engagement and promise ring - the kind chosen when you want something more than a classic solitaire.

The amethyst for this piece was chosen for its colour and clarity - what mattered was depth of purple without cloudiness that would diminish its beauty. In jewellery tradition this stone has been associated with calm and clarity of mind, which fits well with the symbolism of a promise. Good amethysts are becoming harder to find, and the price of silver and precious metals keeps rising, so buying this quality at this price makes sense today. The ring is made of refined European 925 silver coated with a layer of rhodium - this metal is hard and scratch-resistant, protecting the surface from tarnishing so the shine lasts a long time. The metal is stamped with the French maker's mark - a guarantee of the quality and origin of the precious metal.

On the hand it looks best in total black - against a black turtleneck or a plain, unpatterned blouse, the violet of the amethyst and the sparkle of the cubic zirconias draw the eye, and the gesture of the hand gains character. It also suits simple, dark knitwear and classic coats, where a muted background lets the stone shine fully. At medium size and weighing 3.4 g, the ring sits lightly on the finger, without weighing down the hand in everyday wear.