This is going to be a tiny gradient, but quite close to what is needed. I’ll do Russian joins, no alternations at the transitions. Bead…what color? Gold? I’ll have to check stash again the yarn when it arrives.

I started this one, and got through the central whirl. It is clear that the cup defect is still there and needs to be designed out. So, rip out and start over with a new cast one and a few more rows up front.

My second effort is working better. This one will lie fairly flat, and block flat easily. It does change the shape of the start, and I like the new result better.