A labradorite cabochon plays across this ring with blue flashes that emerge from the stone's dark, graphite surface with every movement of the hand. This phenomenon is called labradorescence - streaks of cool, steely shimmer shift across the surface depending on the angle of light. The minimalist form of a solitaire ring keeps attention on the stone rather than the setting - the narrow band in rhodium-plated 925 silver stays in the background, letting the labradorite build the whole effect. In old beliefs this stone was linked to calm thinking and self-confidence, which suits its restrained yet striking beauty well.

Only a small share of the raw material reviewed makes it into this ring - what matters is the depth of the flash and the clarity of the surface, free of flaws and cloudiness. Good labradorite is becoming rarer, and silver has been steadily rising in price in recent years, which makes buying at this price worthwhile today. The 925 fineness confirms the purity of the alloy the band is made from - this is refined European silver, free of nickel and other harmful additives. A layer of rhodium protects the silver against blackening and dulling, keeping the ring's shine bright for a long time. The ring is stamped with the French maker's mark, which attests to the origin of the metal. At 2.5 g, the form stays light on the finger.

It comes into its own best in a total black look - with a black top or turtleneck, where the hand naturally becomes the place where the eye lingers. The stone's blue flash brings life to a muted, dark outfit and draws the eye without unnecessary sparkle. This pairing works just as well by day, with simple trousers and a coat, as it does in the evening with an elegant black dress. The simple solitaire form and the cool grey of the labradorite come together in a calm yet striking whole on the hand.