THE GLASS PINNACLES RING

The Late Gothic and Neo-Gothic architecture of Milan's Cathedral and its remarkable stained glass windows inspired me to create a suite of jewelry, consisting of earrings, ring and bracelet. The design is taken from the pointed arches located just below the main round rose window of the apse and its stained glass and delicate veined patterns. The veins are larger in the center, while two smaller veins are parallel to it. Their function is both decorative and structural as they protect and support the glass that makes up the design. The windows' intricate images were made by painters from Lombardy and Italian master stain glazers. Not all are from the Gothic period, as most stains were done in the 19th century. Unfortunately, many were damaged during WWII, but have since been partially or totally restored. Just below each of the three main roses of the apse windows are six ogival arches with a medieval tri-lobe motif. The veins of two other smaller arches extend to the marble main structure. The center two are continuous, while the two on the left and the two on the right are crowned at half height by a carved pinnacle with a floral decoration. The French Fleury Gothic influence can be seen here, and is reminiscent of transalpine cathedrals.