The deep, velvety black of the onyx quietly draws the eye along the signet's clean silhouette. The faceted cut breaks the stone's surface into small planes that catch the light as the hand moves, flashing briefly before fading back into matte depth. The minimalist form, free of embellishment, lets that black take centre stage - the silver band is just a quiet backdrop. In many cultures onyx has been linked to strength, endurance and self-assurance, which suits the ring's austere signet form well.

The stone for this ring was chosen by hand, after examining many pieces, so that the colour would be even and deep without the slightest discolouration. That kind of quality paired with a reasonable price matters today, since good stones and silver keep rising in price, and finding an onyx just as pure at a similar price gets harder every year. The ring is made from refined European sterling silver 925, free of allergenic metal additives, so it can be worn without worry of skin irritation. A rhodium layer protects the surface from tarnishing and scratches, keeping the shine clear for years to come. The metal is stamped with the French maker's mark - a legally protected mark registered with the French assay office, attesting to the origin of the piece.

This very small, compact signet sits well on the hand in summer, when skin is bare and every gesture draws attention. A flowing linen dress in sand or white gives it exactly the backdrop a dark stone needs. Against light, airy outfits, the onyx reads as a clear, quiet accent rather than a loud addition. It's a ring you put on for the whole day and forget about - until it catches the light.