In keeping with the Arts-and-Crafts tradition, each decorative element also serves a functional purpose - the ebony pegs lock the tenons into place, the breadboard ends keep the top from warping, and the trestles provide strength.

The two trays are lined with leather, and are the perfect height for a laptop or (perhaps more importantly) a cup of coffee. The center tray is can store small personal items, yet is shallow enough to remain uncluttered.

Each drawer pull is shaped and polished by hand, then mortised and wedged into place. While simply screwing them onto the drawer face, mortising ensures that the pulls will remain secure after a lifetime of use.

Detail of the lower left side of the desk. Through-tenons are double-wedged into place, and ebony pegs pin the vertical elements in place. You can see how I make them here.

Front view of the desk. The two outer trays are mounted onto solid aluminum posts, allowing them to pivot out towards the user.

Each of the three drawers is curved, beveled, and joined with hand-cut half-blind dovetails. The drawer fronts and desk face were cut from a single board, which was then resawn, laminated, pressed, and shaped. The drawer pulls are carved into the drawer fronts.

The desk was designed around a crescent shape, the thought being to place everything within arm's reach. Jewelry-making requires concentration and a focused eye; therefore, the outer work surfaces pivot in toward the center, making the furthest reaches of this seven-foot desk within immediate grasp.

One of the original specifications for the desk was that it have storage for two dozen purpose-made boxes. Each of the eight spaces have slots for three small, hanging boxes.