Rugged and distinctly retro, this signet ring with black onyx draws out a deep, velvety black free of any glassy shine - the cabochon cut flattens the stone's surface and gathers all the light that falls on the hand. The wide, plain band recalls the old signet rings once worn as a family seal, and in many jewelry traditions onyx was linked to strength, endurance and self-assurance. That association still clings to the stone today, though in this ring what matters most is its dense, opaque colour.

A clean specimen with such uniform, deep black is easy to miss among onyx stones full of streaks and discolouration - a second one just as clear is hard to find. Silver is rising in price, and good-quality stones are becoming harder to come by, so this purchase makes sense from a value standpoint today. Refined sterling silver 925 of high alloy purity contains no nickel or other sensitising additives, so the signet ring can be worn on sensitive skin without worry. A rhodium layer protects the surface against tarnishing and scratches, so the metal needs little cleaning and keeps its shine for longer. The signet ring is stamped with the French maker's mark, which attests the origin of the metal.

A signet ring like this sits well in a total-black look - against a black turtleneck or a plain black knit top, the onyx becomes the point that draws the eye to the hand while the rest of the outfit stays understated. It also works with a leather jacket and dark trousers, where it adds a harder, slightly masculine edge. Its small size and weight of 2.2 g mean the signet ring sits lightly on the finger, never overwhelming the hand with its form.