MAHOGANY AND WHITE GOLD DIAMOND RING

In the hills of Bavaria northeast of Frankfurt, nestled at the thin headwaters of the river Sinn, is the town of Oberwildflecken. The town is hidden by the topography, but just below the summit of the highest peak, looking directly down at the sleepy hamlet, is Kloster Kreuzberg, the ancient and austere Franciscan monastery. In the stone belfry was found a Spartan chest, empty but for a single iron key. That key opened a tall oaken door deep in the catacombs of the Kreuzberg, held by substantial rivets and sanded smooth. Behind the heavy and leaden door was a single brass table, waist-high, and on that table a lone white gold and mahogany ring, ancient in design, ancient in construction, brilliant and timeless in appearance.