This ring with black onyx draws out the stone's deep, matte black, encircled by a halo of fourteen small cubic zirconia stones. The cabochon cut of the onyx does not break light the way a facet does, instead holding it on a smooth surface - hence the calm, even sheen at the centre. The form recalls classic, vintage-style halo rings, where one dark stone is surrounded by a ring of brighter sparkle. Onyx has long been associated with confidence and perseverance, and the big size of the setting means the ring sits well on the hand and shows in a gesture.

For this piece we chose an onyx with a deep, uniform black free of discolouration - it is this that gives the whole setting its sense of solidity. Silver and good stones keep rising in price, so buying at this price makes sense today. Refined 925 silver of European quality is coated with a layer of rhodium, a hard metal that protects against tarnishing and blackening - meaning the ring needs cleaning less often. The piece is signed with the French maker's mark struck into the metal, attesting to its origin. The alloy is free of nickel and other harmful additives, so it does not irritate the skin even with extended wear.

A ring like this looks good for a meeting in the city - paired with a trench coat, a simple turtleneck and a muted, neutral colour palette, the black of the onyx draws the eye without unnecessary flash. The cubic zirconia around the stone catch the light with every movement of the hand, adding a touch of sparkle to the setting. It also works well as an addition to a classic office look, where what matters is form, not the amount of jewellery worn. The big size and weight of 4.1 grams give it a noticeable but not heavy presence on the finger.