Battle of the Rings: Share a slice of my recent gallery wanderings (4 min read)
Recently, I had the pleasure of immersing myself in the 'Battle of the Rings' – an event where the art of jewelry scales new competitive heights. Within the confines of an exclusive gallery in Seattle (yes you need to request access to visit :-) ), I was met with 64 unique contenders, each ring vying for more than just a win—they sought connection, a place on someone's hand, in someone's story.
Danaca Design Gallery
The Battle of the rings started in 2020 by the owner of the gallery Dana Casara, as a vibrant response to bring joy and community to the art of jewelry during this challenging year. The jewelry community embraced the Battle of the Rings that has been happening on an annual basis since then.
This year, the pieces came from every corner of the globe, with 64 unique rings making the final cut, thanks to the curators & amazing jewelry artists: Nicole Ringgold and Ryan Gardner.
Exploring the exhibition offered a remarkable blend of visual and tactile experiences—closely examining each ring, sensing its heft, and noting the brief disappointment when a piece wasn't the perfect fit. Yet, what truly resonated were the narratives each piece carried, the dialogues they initiated, and the glimpses they offered into their creators' ingenuity.
Envision a realm where the mundane meets the extraordinary, with each ring not merely an accessory but a protagonist seeking acknowledgment. Price tags aside, the true worth of these rings lies in the tales they express and the meticulous craft behind them
Join me as we go beyond the mere aesthetics and delve into the compelling stories etched into each ring, celebrating the artistry that brings them to life:
1. Elegance Personified
Three rings stood out to me for their sophisticated simplicity.
“Contemplating the Afterlife, 'Liminal Space’ ” - I. Bedlington
This striking ring marries my love for the timeless elegance of black and gold with the compelling curves of its design. Though it makes a bold statement, it rests comfortably on the finger, its presence felt but not overpowering.
The ring’s inspiration is steeped in history, drawing from the Bi—a jade disc from Chinese antiquity, symbolizing eternal continuity. Wearing it feels like both a nod to tradition and a step into the contemporary.
For a closer look at how this piece balances heritage with modern flair, click here to view more images and a showcasing video.
“The Celestial Spinner” - T. Haas
This ring draws its design from the astronomical, with parts that move and a textured band reminiscent of a starry sky. What’s truly unique is its dedicated stand with a LED feature, highlighting the ring's details and allowing it to double as a small, illuminated display when not worn. It's a piece that merges jewelry with interactive art, captivating with its astral inspiration.
You can view more photos and a video, here.
“Folding Ring with Interchanging Gems” - K. Rabey
This ring impresses with its contemporary design and the clever ability to swap out the gemstones at will. It's the result of a creative challenge from an Innovative Stone Setting class, and the outcome is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. The artist has crafted not just a piece of jewelry, but an interactive experience that allows for personal customization.
View more photos and video here.
2. Playfull Rings
Two rings that captured the imagination with their fun, unconventional design.
“Inner Freedom” - R. Simon
This ring instantly strikes you as bold, vibrant, and brimming with fun.
It's as stunning to wear as it is to look at, offering comfort alongside its standout design. With every movement of your hand, the playful glass orb dances along, adding a dynamic twist to the piece.
Echoing the artist's own words, "I like to play. I like rings." I can't help but agree wholeheartedly!
Discover more about this piece here.
“Mood Ring” - B. Acebo
This ring's interactive design takes playfulness to a new level. It’s as captivating as those paper fortune tellers we crafted as kids, promising endless moments of simple joy with just a spin.
To see this ring in motion, take a look here.
3. Inventive Mediums
And finally, the category that stole my heart—rings crafted from alternative materials that challenge and redefine what jewelry can be.
“Different From What It Seems” - E. Park
This ring is immediately an eye catcher. You see a flower but really is made out of plastic forks & recycled aluminum cans.
It is really amazing how humble materials can be transformed into a statement ring!
See more photos and a video of this ring here
“Depre(se)ssion” - C. Romano
This ring has a very interesting inspiration story but what caught my attention is the fact that the ring once worn begins to mutate and decompose.
It is made out of biomaterial layers from human blood, 3D-printed transparent resin, UV resin.
Read the whole inspiration story of this ring here.
I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into a world where rings transcend simple adornment to become miniature sculptures, each with a story and narrative that might speak differently to each of us. That's the beauty of art—it touches us in unique ways.
While I wish I could dedicate a post to every ring in the exhibition, the ones featured here made a lasting impression on me. Remember, there's a whole collection out there, each piece waiting to tell its tale. May this inspire you to delve deeper into the stories behind them. To explore the full collection, in person or online, click here
Discover the full array of competing rings [here] and find your favorite contender.
Battle of the Rings - Important Dates:
In-gallery exhibition: March 1-31
Competition Dates: March 4-29, 2024
Closing Reception: March 30, 1-4pm, learn more here.
P.S: A little side note to share: I'm not sponsored to promote any of these events or artists. I'm just really into art and jewelry, and I think it's great to share the pieces and exhibitions that strike a chord with me. If you're into this kind of stuff too, why not check it out?
Supporting other artists is what keeps our community vibrant and full of new ideas.
