I sent the alien gear pin to
whumpdotcom. It's a partly melted gold alien artifact lodged in dark silver that is either layered rock or possibly a piece of a meteor. The dark sapphires are in the silver. There 's gear that moves on it as well. It's part of the design because I loved the aesthetic. Haven't constructed an explanation for it. I'm open to suggestion. 
I waited til he got it to post the photo and then the holidays happened, so here it is now. This is close to actual size. (This is one of those designs is that is size sensitive.)
Very best wishes for 2010.
