Crete Rings - Labyrinth Blue Topaz and Blue Diamond Ring

The labyrinth of the Minotaur was said to be located deep within the great Palace of Knossos, the main palace of the Minoans, Crete's glorious Bronze-Age civilization.  Fine gold jewelry and pottery with vibrant decorations of marine life are all that remains in the art of these sea loving people.  Their culture inspired this ring with a rich blue topaz to represent the sea and two granulated 22k squares with blue diamond* centers for the labyrinth.

Granulation is an ancient technique, mastered by relatively few goldsmiths. It takes years of practice using the purest of metals. Each tiny granule is made by hand, and making enough for one piece of jewelry can take weeks, then placed one by one using a tiny brush. The piece is heated almost to the melting point. At that precise moment, the granules fuse and become one with the item being granulated. The technique is evident in museum collections featuring ancient jewelry. The 22 karat gold is a special alloy the artist makes, giving it a purity of 98% gold.  Sheet and wire is then created from this alloy for fabrication.  Ring band is sterling silver.

Signed on the back. Size 8 available immediately. Please allow 14 - 21 days for all other sizes.

*please note colored stones, including diamonds, may have been heat or otherwise enhanced for color.

Photo © Cole Rodger