As my work with granulation progressed, I desired to create lighter, gossamer-like forms whose implied volume would embrace negative space. My trip to Istanbul in April 2011 reminded me of the majesty and glory of Byzantine architecture. Floating in the light, the vast dome of the Hagia Sophia gave me the idea for the Byzantine Rosette Brooch.

This design is more ambitious because it centers on a prong-set tourmaline from which extend seven granulated overlapping double arches/petals, anchored by clusters of granulation where they meet the outer rim of the stone setting. Placed on a flat surface, the Byzantine Rosette looks like a ribbed dome with the spaces between the ribs removed.