So far I've been testing using a "fleshy" sphere, with a smaller black sphere inside, and the ring shape light. I get a funny looking effect  on the flesh sphere where the black sphere blocks all the light, so the object only looks transparent in that area. Maybe I should try placing the spheres and light inside a cube so the light can bounce around more and perhaps counter the effect. I'll post some images to demonstrate when I get back home.
I've been searching other forums trying to find out more; some of their results really make my stuff look like child's play- 
http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?t=377706&page=6&pp=15&highlight=translucent