A lapis lazuli cabochon opens up this ring with a deep, saturated navy purple in which tiny golden flecks of pyrite catch the light here and there. It was precisely this purity of colour and absence of cloudiness that decided the choice of this particular stone - it has a smooth, polished surface that gathers light into a single point on the hand. An openwork, enameled silver band in a boho and vintage spirit surrounds it with a delicate, hand-finished pattern, as if taken from a family jewellery box. Lapis lazuli has long been associated with intuition and harmony, and in some jewellery traditions it was regarded as a symbol of idealism - which is why it is often chosen for engagement rings.

The silver in this ring is a pure, refined European alloy of sterling silver 925, free of nickel and harmful additives - it is this fineness that confirms its purity, and the enamel is applied by hand, which gives the pattern a distinctly French character of craftsmanship. Silver and fine stone prices rise year after year, so a piece with such a pure colour at a reasonable price is becoming increasingly rare. The inside of the band bears the French maker's mark, which attests to the origin of the silver and connects this ring to a long history of French jewellery craftsmanship.

The big size of the stone means the ring shows well on the hand during a handshake or when raising a glass at a family celebration. An elegant dark-toned dress and the warm glow of candlelight further bring out the depth of the navy hue, while classic silver accessories - earrings or a bracelet - pair naturally with it. The cool grey of a cashmere sweater also sits well against this colour, creating a calm, muted look in which the lapis lazuli is what draws the eye.