The Texas Hill Country is dotted with caverns, deep openings in the earth that house bats, stalagmites, an occasional pond and little else. You can tour these caverns and glimpse a magical universe that we rarely think about but that exists right under our feet. I'm fascinated by the experience of entering the earth. (And I confess, my mind races for days after, as I imagine hosting a wine tasting or dinner party in these mysterious underground "pockets".)

I'm equally fascinated by the idea of descending into the earth, removing a chunk and exposing it. Whether that chunk is molded into an engagement ring or countertops, I enjoy thinking about where the stone came from and its journey onto a finger or into a home. Here are some chunks of earth that have been extracted, honed and molded to a mesmerizing effect. Enjoy! XO, L