This black onyx ring draws the eye with the smooth, deep black of a cabochon-cut stone. As the hand moves, its surface catches the light in a single, narrow reflection that shifts with every turn of the wrist. The big size of the stone and the modern, understated setting give the whole piece a distinctly engagement character, free of unnecessary embellishment. Jewellers of old associated onyx with strength, endurance and self-assurance, which makes it a fitting symbol for this very occasion today.

A stone like this one - with an even, deep black free of streaks - is easy to overlook, and finding another equally flawless piece is far from guaranteed. Silver and good stones are steadily rising in price, so buying now looks like a sound decision. The refined European silver used for the ring is sterling silver 925, which confirms the purity of the alloy, free of nickel and other additives that can irritate the skin. A layer of rhodium further protects the surface against scratches and loss of shine, so the metal keeps its original lustre for a long time. The piece is stamped with the maker's mark struck into the metal and registered with the French assay office, attesting to its origin.

This ring sits well on the hand in everyday, natural outfits - with a loose-cut linen shirt, a cotton dress or a simple sweater in a muted shade. A hand gesture from within a light-fabric sleeve further sets off the black of the onyx, which draws attention without the need for extra accessories. It also works well as a finishing touch to a understated evening look, where the dark stone remains the main focal point on the hand. Its modern form and the big size of the stone mean the ring looks equally at home in daily wear and on more formal occasions.