This is a necklace that's all about the stone. The gold setting is there to do one job: hold a single, sharp-cut gem right where the light can find it. The bail is almost as long as the stone itself, giving it a clean, linear drop.

A fine, 14K gold cable chain is threaded through a simple, polished bail that hangs straight down. At the bottom, four small prongs secure an oval-cut gemstone. The stone in the picture is a deep, saturated red, with facets that catch light from the front. The whole piece is polished to a high shine, from the individual chain links to the prongs on the setting.

We make this pendant and chain from solid 14K gold, not plated or filled. It's 58.3% pure gold alloyed with other metals for strength, which means the colour is consistent all the way through and won't rub off. It's a durable metal that can handle daily wear without losing its finish. The prong setting is a classic for a reason; it uses minimal metal, which lets as much light as possible enter the stone from all sides.

• Material: Solid 14K Gold
• Gemstone: 6 mm x 4 mm Oval Cut (customizable with your choice of birthstone)
• Pendant Dimensions: 12 mm x 4 mm (including bail)
• Chain: 18-inch cable chain with a 1-inch extender
• Sold as: Single necklace

This is for someone who wants a birthstone necklace, full stop. There are no extra diamonds, no pavé halo, no intricate metalwork. The proportions are small and the design is direct, putting all the focus on the colour and cut of that single stone. It’s a classic for a reason.