A faceted sapphire holds a deep, saturated blue that breaks into small flashes of light on every facet as the hand turns. This is a solitaire ring - a form equally suited to an engagement as to everyday wear, when what you're after is a minimalist piece built around a single stone. The simple band doesn't draw attention away from the sapphire, and the faceted cut brings out its depth with every movement of the hand.

A sapphire like this is chosen in person, held up to the light until you find a stone with a pure, even colour free of clouding. Nature itself limits the availability of stones worth choosing, and with silver and gemstone prices on the rise, this is a good moment to make that purchase. It is set in refined European silver 925, a pure alloy free of nickel, safe even for sensitive skin. A layer of rhodium protects the surface from tarnishing and scratches, so the shine lasts for years. The piece is stamped with a maker's mark establishing its origin, registered at the French assay office.

In the city it works well with plain jeans and a white shirt, while a leather jacket gives it a harder edge. On the hand, in the sleeve of a knit sweater, the navy sapphire gains contrast against the pale, matte surface of the fabric. It's a ring you can wear every day without losing the character it was chosen for as an engagement piece.