To accentuate figure I am learning that you need the highest
reflectivity you can get. So super flat sanding and clear gloss.

The one thing I haven't yet "figured" out is, should you oil the wood
first. Intuitively, it seems the oil would add some reflectivity within
the wood, that "deeper" finish concept. However, I wonder if oil
penetrates to well and flattens the figure by lessining the contrast.

BW