Maru Almeida - Holding On

Artist: Maru Almeida
Materials: ruby crystals, steel, sterling silver 
Size: 8
Dimensions: 1.75"x.75" 

Artist Statement:
This ring is a commemoration of the year that has passed during the COVID pandemic. A year in which we are still holding on waiting somewhat in captivity to circumstances. The steel wire holds three crystals strongly in place while silver softly wraps the structure together.

Artist Bio:
Maru Almeida was born and raised in Mexico where she fell in love with the rich silversmithing tradition. Her curiously of the artistic transformation of metal guided her to pursue both a BFA and an MFA in jewelry and metalsmithing. Maru resides in Seattle WA and has been working as an artist and professional jeweler for now more than 20 years. In her statement she explains: "Exploring with my hands and my sense of touch have always driven my creative practice. I enjoy constructing, cutting, bending and manipulating metal as a form of play. As each piece develops, I strive for a sense of spontaneity as folding origami, hoping to leave a trace of the hand and myself as a maker".

This ring is an alternate in Battle of the Rings: Ring Smackdown 2021, an online exhibition and competition. Shop the entire collection HERE, view the matches HERE, and learn more HERE.