The deep navy of the sapphire draws light into the very heart of the stone, and the faceted cut breaks it into small, sharp glints without diluting the intensity of the colour. This solitaire ring has a simple, classic setting that keeps the focus on the stone mounted centrally on the band. The very small size and weight of 1.2 grams keep the form light and discreet on the finger, despite the sapphire's bold character.

A piece like this is easy to overlook - a stone with such rich, even colour and good clarity is hard to find today at a comparable price, as fine sapphires grow scarcer while silver and precious metals steadily rise in price. It is set in refined European 925 silver, additionally rhodium-plated - the rhodium layer is hard and scratch-resistant, so the shine does not fade after months of wear and the surface does not tarnish. A pure alloy free of nickel and harmful additives means the ring can be worn without worrying about skin irritation. On the inside of the band is a maker's mark struck on the piece, registered with the French assay office - it attests to the origin of the metal.

This kind of piece works well for an evening out: a little black dress, a silk blouse or a satin clutch all make a natural backdrop for the navy of the sapphire. Rather than layering on accessories, this one ring on the hand is enough - the gesture of lifting a glass or clasping a handbag draws the eye straight to the stone. The minimalist, classic form of the solitaire works just as well with a wool coat in winter as with a linen dress in the warmer months.