Bubinga is native to Equatorial Africa. This wood starts out pinkish-brown but like all woods if exposed to sunlight will darken over time. The stone insert is of Amazonite, a member of the feldspar family found in the United States, China, South Africa, Mongolia, and Libya.

     After turning the stopper for shape, I carefully incised a recess in the stopper top to accept the Amazonite insert. The black accent rings on this wine bottle stopper were burned in by carefully applying a wire to the surface of the rapidly rotating piece.

     304 Grade stainless steel is comprised of at least 50% iron with no more than 0.08% carbon. With that much iron content it would seem the material would be subject to corrosion. Yet, it is the elements represented by the second set of numbers, 18/8, that chemically protect the iron. The 18/8 designation refers to how much chromium and nickel respectively are present in the stainless steel.  In example, 18/8 stainless steel has 18% chromium and 8% nickel. The chromium acts to bind oxygen to the object's surface thereby protecting the iron from the process of oxidation. This protection is enhanced by the presence of nickel. The greater the nickel content, the greater the corrosion resistance.  

     To enable a tight seal simply push down while twisting gently. Do not push straight down. At least two nitrile O-rings should be in contact with the bottle's neck (see photograph). When you're ready to remove your stopper, gently pull up while using a twisting or rocking motion.