laurieopal

It's one of the best things I've done and it felt like it was taking forever, especially some of the technical work. The fine carving took a lot of time and it was a pleasure.

It was made in 5 components and I've got photos of them below after the finished sculpture. The components are as they were unpolished and just cast, since they can't be polished until after they are assembled and soldered.

There are three dragons, one on the left side near the emerald, the large one on top with a black spinel eye, and the one swimming in the ocean. There is also a mermaid (only her tail shows) and a water snake.

The text is from a 17th century map and says "HC SUNT DRACONES". The faceted stones are 4 emeralds (on the side pieces) and the black spinel in the large dragon's eyes. The three continents are cabochon Maw sit sit jade (jade-albite) from Burma, and the small archipelago is lava, moonstone, and garnet cabochons. I am _thrilled _ with how well this design worked out.

The sculpture is sterling and is 6" wide by 5" high. It's from the collection of Bayla Fine.