This brass demonstration plate has been around the trade show block a time or two after nearly two years of travel. Despite the small blemishes on the metal, the graphic beauty of this work by Sam Alfano is clearly evident.

Illustrating the virtually unlimited opportunities to combine stone setting and engraving, this neat little work of art features a 4mm (0.158") diameter stone set using a traditional four bead square bright-cut technique. Alfano has transformed the basic four-sided shape of the original setting into an eight-sided design.

With just a few small engraving embellishments around this stone, Sam has added a pleasing vintage look to the stone setting that expands its quality, richness, and appeal. The engraving not only gives the stone a new form and a visual boundary, it also joins the workpiece and the stone together to create one whole unified design.