A lapis lazuli ring brings a dark, deep hue to the hand that you rarely find in everyday jewelry. The cabochon-cut stone has a rich, navy-purple glow crossed by fine, golden flecks of pyrite - like a night sky seen up close. Ancient lapidaries associated lapis lazuli with idealism, intuition and inner harmony, which makes it a fitting choice for a wedding and engagement ring. The modern, simple band doesn't draw attention away from the stone - it's the stone that leads the eye with every movement of the hand.

A piece like this, with an even, deep colour and a distinct yet restrained pattern of pyrite, is easy to overlook, and finding a second one of the same intensity is no easy task. Silver and good coloured stones get more expensive year after year, so buying now makes financial sense. Refined European silver 925 confirms the purity of the alloy, and the rhodium applied to its surface gives a bright shine that won't tarnish or blacken over the years. The silver, stamped with the French maker's mark, attests to the origin of the metal this ring is made from. It weighs 4.5 g and is available in a medium size.

On the hand it works best with an all-black look - a black turtleneck or a simple black blouse forms the backdrop against which the navy and purple of the lapis lazuli become the outfit's only spot of colour. A thin silver chain is enough to complete the look, or nothing at all - the stone will draw the eye regardless. It works just as well as an engagement ring as it does as a wedding band, especially for couples who prefer a deep colour over a classic colourless stone. The modern form and the intense colour of the lapis lazuli together make for a ring that stays in the memory.