Colley Armillary Sphere Figurine Stainless Steel & Bone Globe - 40cm

The Colley is a 40cm armillary sphere built from three interlocking metal rings in brushed gold, polished nickel and black steel, rotating around a central bone globe set in a cradle of polished steel bands. The structure mounts on a weighted polished steel base with a turned pedestal stem, giving the piece stability on a flat surface while allowing the rings to rotate freely around the bone sphere.

Designed as a sculptural accent for desks, console tables, bookshelves and study corners, the Colley references historical astronomical instruments without attempting to be a functional model. The rings can be rotated by hand to change the composition, making it an interactive piece rather than a static ornament. The bone globe at the centre provides a natural material contrast to the metallic rings and adds tonal warmth to the mixed metal finishes.

The three rings sit in different planes — the outermost ring is black steel at approximately 39cm diameter, the middle ring is polished nickel, and the inner ring is brushed gold. The bone used for the sphere shows natural colour variation from cream to pale grey depending on the section of material, so each piece differs slightly in tone. At 1.32kg the figurine has enough weight to remain stable when the rings are rotated but can be lifted and repositioned easily. The combination of brushed, polished and blackened metal finishes works in both contemporary interiors and more traditional study or library settings.

Do the rings actually rotate?

Yes. The three metal rings can be rotated by hand around the central bone globe, allowing you to change the position and visual composition of the piece. The rotation is smooth but not frictionless — the rings hold their position once set.

What is the bone globe made from?

The central sphere is made from natural bone, which gives it a cream-to-pale-grey tone depending on the section of material used. Each piece shows slight variation in colour and surface texture, characteristic of the natural material.

What surface does it need?

The weighted polished steel base requires a flat, stable surface. The 39cm outer ring diameter and 28cm depth mean the piece needs at least 40cm of clear space in each direction to avoid the rings catching on adjacent objects when rotated.

How is the metal finished?

The outer ring is black steel, the middle ring is polished nickel (reflective), and the inner ring is brushed gold (low-sheen). The base and central cradle are polished stainless steel. These mixed finishes give the piece visual depth and prevent it reading as a single flat colour.