A sapphire ring draws the eye with the depth of its richly saturated blue stone, which in a faceted cut breaks light into fine flashes of brilliance. Seven cubic zirconia surrounding the central stone accentuate its colour and give the whole piece a retro character - distinctly vintage, with a touch of romanticism characteristic of engagement rings from bygone eras. The form is classic, and the sapphire leads the eye.

Every sapphire we assess for colour and clarity before it goes into the setting - this one passed that test with distinction. Silver has risen in price and fine sapphires are becoming increasingly rare, so today's price represents a sound investment. The piece is made from refined sterling silver 925 - European quality means an alloy free from nickel and other sensitising metals, safe for sensitive skin. The rhodium coating covering the silver is hard and scratch-resistant, which translates into a lasting, bright shine for years to come. The ring is stamped with the French maker's mark - confirmation of the metal's origin.

On the hand in a spring outfit, the sapphire works beautifully: against a pastel trench coat in écru or powder pink, the blue stone sharpens the entire colour palette. A silk scarf in blues and whites and a light leather bag create a backdrop against which the sapphire's facets catch the light with every gesture. This is a ring worn with conviction - for an engagement and for every day when your hand deserves something more than an ordinary piece of jewellery.