Malachite was used 8000 years ago in the Middle East as one of the first human adornments.

This malachite from the Congo, with its `growth-rings´ lent itself to a semi-circular necklace form.

Solid gold would have been too expensive for a fashion item of such fragile stone. The slices are backed with gilded strips, preserving the illusion of a gold tape threaded through them. The links are fastened with 20 carat gold rivets.

Price - £595