This minimalist solitaire ring pairs a simple, understated form with a faceted blue topaz. Before it reaches the setting, every stone is assessed for colour and clarity, and this particular piece was chosen in a deep blue shade free of cool greys. The facets break light into small flashes that gather at the centre of the stone rather than spreading across its surface - it's the cut that decides where the sparkle concentrates. The narrow, rhodium-plated band doesn't pull attention away from the topaz and stays in the background, in keeping with the minimalist character of the whole piece.

Silver and good stones are getting more expensive, so a topaz of this quality at a reasonable price is a sound choice today. The refined European silver here comes in sterling silver 925, and it's this fineness that confirms the purity of the alloy and the absence of nickel, which irritates the skin. At this price you get careful stone selection and a finely finished, rhodium-plated setting, not just the topaz itself. Rhodium is hard and scratch-resistant, so the shine of the band doesn't wear off with everyday use. The ring is signed with the French maker's mark, which attests to the origin of the metal.

A light, flowing linen summer dress paired with a sandy or white outfit is a natural backdrop for this shade of blue - the topaz stands out clearly against white and beige on the hand. The ring also sits well with a simple cotton top and sandals, when the rest of the outfit stays understated. A gesture of the hand holding a cup or a book becomes a chance for the stone to catch the light and draw the eye. Its very small size and weight of 1.7 g mean the ring wears comfortably, even over a long day.