A rocky ravine

c.1475-80

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)

Probably acquired by Charles II; Royal Collection by 1690

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This drawing of a ravine may appear fanciful at first sight, an impression not helped by the disproportionately large ducks or swans. But in fact Leonardo has carefully recorded a type of rock formation found in the Arno valley south-east of Florence, caused by the erosion of sandstone into tall jagged pillars.

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Pen and ink

22 x 15.8 cm

RL 12395

Very Exclusive Ring Design Work

Offset engagement ring design solves straight edge wedding ring fitting problems.
Designing rings to receive straight edge wedding bands so both rings look good even when worn alone. Slightly offset design allows for a clear flat side to receive wedding bands to be worn easily, especially for those that have eternity bands and don’t want that awkward big space between their rings causing ware that cuts into the side prongs where the wedding band keeps rubbing in all the wrong places.

Note the much vaunted 8 claw chaton when properly executed should have a good tapered look and the prongs should not have any kinks, a clear straight prong is what should be seen to be pleasing to the eye.

Wormy looking prongs bent and twisted and tormented to get the stone in are a disgrace to the industry.

A clean finished piece has to be treated well from the beginning to end up like this. See how clean the mount is before the stone is installed. This helps to give a glisten to the finished piece.

Even when worn alone the offset engagement ring is hardly noticeable, and fitted zigzag wedding bands are not required.

Allan Creates