The deep, matte black of the onyx gives this ring a distinctly retro character. The cabochon, with its smooth, slightly domed surface, gathers light in one central point, while the surrounding band of rhodium silver is carved with a clearly defined, old-fashioned line. Onyx has long been associated with strength and endurance, and was also seen as a symbol of confidence for those who wore it. The ring's form echoes old engagement designs, in which a single dark stone took centre stage.

Only onyx personally examined and selected for depth of black and purity of surface, free of the faintest streaks or discolouration, goes into this setting. That quality at this price matters today, since silver and good stones are steadily rising in price, and finding equally clean onyx is becoming harder over time. The rhodium plating protects the silver against tarnishing and scratches, so the shine holds up well despite daily wear. The alloy contains no nickel, so the ring does not cause allergies or skin irritation. The refined European silver, sterling silver 925, is stamped with the French maker's mark, which attests to the metal's origin.

For an evening out, this ring pairs well with the little black dress and a silk blouse - the onyx doesn't blend into the rest of the look but instead draws the eye with every gesture of the hand. It also works well with a dark suit jacket, when the hand remains essentially the only place jewellery appears. The medium size of the stone and the light weight of 2.4 g mean the ring sits lightly on the finger, without getting in the way of everyday activities. This is a version of onyx that works equally well for a formal dinner and for a more understated evening look.