The faceted blue topaz plays with a cool blue light on the finger as light enters each facet and reflects back from within the stone. Next to it sits a single cubic zirconia, adding a small, cold sparkle that sets off the clarity of the main stone. The modern, slender medium ring does not distract from this play of light - the form stays simple, and the topaz leads the eye. Before it reaches the setting, every stone is checked for colour and clarity, and any that are too pale or clouded are rejected.

The result is a topaz of rich, even blue reaching your hand, without the quality of workmanship being reflected in an inflated price. Silver and other precious metals are steadily rising in price, and good coloured stones are becoming harder to source, so this purchase makes sense today. The ring is made of refined European silver, sterling silver 925, free of nickel and other harmful metal additives - the alloy does not irritate the skin even with everyday wear. A rhodium layer protects the surface against tarnishing and scratches, so the shine lasts and the ring rarely needs polishing. The piece is stamped with the French maker's mark establishing its origin, registered with the assay office in France.

A ring like this pairs well with a spring look: a pastel trench coat, a silk scarf tied at the neck and a light-coloured handbag create a backdrop against which the blue of the topaz immediately draws the eye to the hand. It also works with a simple sweater in cool beige, where the gesture of a hand wearing the ring becomes a natural accent to the outfit. This is a distinctly modern design, conceived as a promise ring - understated for everyday wear, yet with a clear, refined detail in the form of the topaz and cubic zirconia.