a rare closeup of a black swift, found throughout north america and small parts of south america. swifts are rarely seen up close; they spend more of their life in air than any other species of bird - they eat, drink, mate and sleep while in flight. they are incapable of perching like other birds; they must cling to vertical surfaces.

“For love you were made and for love I wear you.”

Inscribed gold, Sapphire Ring ..late 14th century (setting); 10th century? (sapphire). Italy

The ring showcases a large sapphire inscribed in Arabic with the name: “Abd as-Salam ibn Ahmad.” The stone, engraved centuries before the ring was created, was clearly highly prized. Sapphire, which was quarried in Ceylon, Arabia, and Persia, came west through trade. The stone was associated with chastity and purity. A second inscription reads: “For love you were made and for love I wear you.” This work, with its mixture of eastern and western elements, is among one of the rarest in the Griffin Collection.