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.

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.

2. Playfull Rings

Two rings that captured the imagination with their fun, unconventional design.

3. Inventive Mediums

And finally, the category that stole my heart—rings crafted from alternative materials that challenge and redefine what jewelry can be.

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.