Materials. Lignum Vitae, meaning ‘Wood of Life’, derived its name during the 16th century, when its resin was believed to be an elixir. Grown in tropical America and the West Indies, it is the most durable and densest of any known wood. Highly prized Lignum Vitae, along with diamonds and rubies and your metal of choice (stainless steel, platinum, 18K yellow or white gold), create an original SATORU work of art. Process. Wood and stainless steel are turned on a lathe with the utmost precision, then carefully press-fitted together. The layers are secured with 18K gold rivets and sculpted to their final form. When rings are ordered as a pair, they are turned from a single block of Lignum Vitae so that the wood grain of both rings are uniquely paired. This becomes most evident by placing the smaller ring on top of the larger ring so that the diamonds line up and the hallmarks are readable. This reveals a one of a kind matching pair – wood grain. Trademark. Each custom piece features my signature AKATSUKI™ diamond and ruby setting at 6 o'clock on the ring. When the ring is removed from the finger and tilted toward the light, the diamond, which is set on the outside of the ring, reflects the red of the ruby set behind it. To maximize the light’s passage, I use only high quality DEF/VVS diamonds, and TOP RED rubies. This unique effect is patented in Japan and patent pending in the United States.