A deep, matte black onyx in a cabochon cut opens this vintage engagement and promise ring with an almost theatrical contrast - the dark face of the stone framed by six small cubic zirconias that catch the light with every movement of the hand. Onyx has long been associated with strength, resilience and confidence, and here that symbolism takes on a retro form, with a smooth, rounded stone set into a slim band. The cubic zirconias don't steal attention from it, rather they bring out the depth of the black, tracing the stone's outline with a delicate sparkle.

Only a small portion of the sorted raw material makes it into a setting like this - what matters is a uniform, deep black free of discoloration and flaws. Silver and quality stone prices have been rising steadily, so buying at this price makes sense today. For this amount you get carefully selected onyx and precise setting work, a combination that rarely comes at a low price. A layer of rhodium coats the refined European silver, keeping the shine bright and clear for years, with no trace of tarnishing. The 925 fineness confirms the purity of the alloy - free of nickel and other harmful additives, so the metal doesn't irritate the skin. The French maker's mark visible on the piece attests to the silver's origin.

A ring like this works well for an evening out - with a little black dress and a silk blouse, where the hand becomes a natural focal point for the whole look. The plain, matte black of the onyx doesn't compete with jewelry at the neckline or with other accessories, so you can keep the rest of your jewelry to a minimum. Its vintage form and small size mean the ring wears easily, revealing its character only up close, in the sparkle of the cubic zirconias around the onyx.