The deep, even blue of the turquoise in this ring catches the eye right away. The stone comes from the Sleeping Beauty mine in Arizona, known for varieties with an exceptionally pure, uninterrupted colour, free of discoloration or matrix veining. The cabochon cut highlights the smooth, domed surface of the turquoise, while the vintage silhouette of the setting, with softly aged lines, gives the whole piece a character straight out of a bygone era. It is a form created with engagement in mind, though it works just as well as an everyday ring.

What drew us to this particular piece was the purity of its colour, free of the spots and discoloration found in cheaper turquoise. Good stones of this quality are becoming scarcer year by year, since nature itself limits the availability of valuable raw material. Silver and precious metals are steadily rising in price, so buying now makes sense financially. The ring is made of refined European silver, sterling silver 925, and a layer of rhodium protects the surface from tarnishing and scratches, keeping the shine bright for years. A pure alloy, free of nickel and other irritating additives, can be worn with confidence even by sensitive skin. On the inside of the piece is the French maker's mark, struck and registered with the assay office, attesting to the origin of the metal.

For the office, this ring pairs well with a smooth shirt in cool grey and a simple blazer, the blue of the turquoise livening up a subdued outfit without breaking its gravity. It also works well with a navy or bottle-green jumper, where the stone naturally takes centre stage. The big size of the cabochon sits well on the hand and stands out with every gesture, from a handshake to leafing through documents. Its simple, vintage form makes the ring just as easy to wear day to day as on more special occasions.