> Quote - Prefering the hemisphere. It feels like it is holding the whole peice together. Maybe incorporate the swirls (boolean style) onto the hemisphere?

Thanks, Mark.  Yes, I was thinking the same.  Decided to add that second swirl design to the hemisphere, as a subobject.  This is probably the final revision now; only a few edges left to bevel, then I'll look to optimize edge loops if I can, without sacrificing the profile shape, and finally I'll begin unwrapping.  There won't be any gemstones on this one; just one big hunk of metal.  Some of the components will have unique material ID's, so they can contain different materials (silver/gold) if need be.

I'm already thinking of what surfaces might look best for this.  Not sure if I want it to be highly polished and new looking, or if I want it to have a certain patina.  I'm thinking high detail patina and wear will be more interesting.

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