A cabochon-cut tiger's eye opens up this engagement ring, its silhouette drawn straight from decades past. The smooth, domed surface of the stone brings out a silky sheen and a narrow band of light that shifts with every turn of the hand - the chatoyancy effect characteristic of this variety of quartz. The cut does not scatter the colour into scattered glints, it gathers it into one clear streak of gold and brown. The heavy, full band underscores the vintage provenance of the shape, and jewellers of past eras paired tiger's eye with the symbolism of stability and inner balance.

Before the stone was set, its pattern and depth of colour were assessed at length - what matters here is the regularity of the band and the clarity of the surface, not sheer size. Quality at this level and at a reasonable price is becoming rarer, since silver and good stones are steadily rising in price, so today's price makes sense. The ring is made of refined European silver 925, and a layer of rhodium protects the surface against tarnishing and scratches, keeping the shine bright for years to come. The French maker's mark - attesting the quality and origin of the precious metal - appears on the inside of the band.

In summer, this ring pairs well with a linen dress in light beige or ecru - the warm tone of the stone finds its match in natural fabrics and the soft light of the season. It also works well with a simple cotton shirt rolled up to the elbow, keeping the hand at the centre of attention. The stone's big size and substantial weight of 5.3 grams give it the character of boldly stated jewellery on the finger, rather than a subtle detail. This is a ring that stands up to an everyday gesture and an evening out in the very same guise.