This vintage-style ring with lapis lazuli brings out the stone's deep, saturated blue, broken here and there by lighter glimmers. The cabochon cut does not scatter this colour into facets - it rounds the surface and lets light glide gently over it, without sharp reflections. The solitaire form recalls old designs known as solitaire and promise rings, where a single stone in a simple setting was meant to be ornament enough. This particular shade of lapis lazuli, dense and even, is rare to find - a good specimen is easy to overlook, and a matching second one is hard to come by later.

We select each stone by hand for purity of colour, which, given rising silver prices and increasingly scarce good-quality stones, makes this purchase a sound one today. The ring is set in refined European 925 silver, stamped with the French maker's mark - an alloy free of nickel and other harmful additives, so it does not irritate the skin and can be worn without concern. A layer of rhodium protects the silver against tarnishing and scratches, keeping its shine bright and clear for years. Lapis lazuli has long been associated with inner harmony, intuition and fidelity to promises - hence its presence in old-style engagement rings.

Its small size and light weight of 1.9 g mean the ring sits comfortably on the finger and pairs well with everyday knitwear - a soft sweater in cool grey or a cotton turtleneck in a monochrome outfit. The blue of the lapis lazuli stands out clearly against such muted tones and draws the eye with every gesture of the hand. It also works well with a simple, dark winter coat, when the hand remains the focal point of the look. This is a ring that holds up well to everyday wear, while keeping the vintage character of its form.