The deep, saturated navy of lapis lazuli catches the eye from the first glance at the hand. In its cabochon cut, the stone's surface stays smooth and dense, with small golden flecks of pyrite glinting here and there, bringing life to the dark colour. The big size of the setting gives this engagement ring a distinctly modern character - the form is simple, yet the gesture of the hand is immediately met with the weight and presence of the stone. In old jewellery craft, lapis lazuli was linked to ideals, intuition and harmony, which sits well with the symbolism of an engagement.

This particular piece was chosen for its colour - intense, even, free of lighter patches that would dull the purity of the shade. Lapis lazuli of this quality is getting harder to find, as good stones turn up less often and precious metal prices rise year on year. At this price, you get a carefully selected stone and solid craftsmanship, which is not a given today. The stone is set in refined European silver 925, free of nickel and other harmful metal additives, so it can be worn without worry about skin irritation. The rhodium layer on the surface is hard and scratch-resistant, keeping the metal's shine intact for a long time despite everyday wear. The French maker's mark struck on the piece attests to the origin of the metal and its maker.

A ring like this works well for a family celebration - paired with an elegant dress in a muted shade and classic accessories, in the warm light of a hall or garden, the navy of the lapis lazuli gains depth and draws the guests' eyes. It suits a hand adorned with a delicate wedding band and needs no other rings for company. The big size of the stone gives weight to the gesture of offering a hand or raising a glass. This is jewellery for moments you want to remember.