Ben Cooke-Akaiwa | Sapphire Diamond Ring

Artist: Ben Cooke-Akaiwa, Indiana
Materials: sterling silver, sapphires
Size: 8

Artist Statement: This ring was the result of 4 years' worth of scrap silver. After completing my BFA I decided to put all the silver I had saved up to good use and cast it into one solid ring. It has sat in my studio for several years waiting for its time to shine!

Artist Bio: Ben is a jeweler and metals artist in Bloomington, IN. He graduated from Indiana University in May of 2019 with a BFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design. He has supplemented his education through workshops at Arrowmont Craft School and an apprenticeship in Japan. He has participated in residencies at the Baltimore Jewelry Center and Arrowmont. Ben has exhibited his work internationally, in the United States, the Netherlands, Germany and Canada. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design from Indiana University.

This ring was part of Battle of the Rings: Ring Smackdown 2024, an online exhibition and competition. View the entire collection HERE, view the matches HERE, and learn more HERE.