Wendy Jo New | AN "AMAZ(E)ING" RING

Artist: Wendy Jo New, Massachusetts
Materials: sterling silver, garnet, watch crystal, patina
Size: 6-9 Adjustable band

Artist Statement: Consider this both an ornamental and functional ring! Perfect for those long meetings, the wearer can "play ball" with the enclosed garnet sphere and test one's skill. In keeping with the fun, the size adjustable (1.5 sizes up or down) ring bands are etched to say "AN AMAZ(E)ING RING" and "PLAY BALL". A black patina in the bands’ recesses highlights the raised lettering. A stippled texture on the bottom side of the maze case adds a bit of dimension to the rest of the higher polished ring. The inside base and wall have guide marks lined up with maze ends to help the wearer line up the garnet for maze entrances.

Artist Bio: I design and fabricate fine contemporary jewelry and other metal designs in precious metals. Further defined with the addition of texturing, gemstones and unique lapidary, or resin inlay, my work is described as, “Clean. Crisp. Geometric. Architectural. Subtle elegance.” If you asked me 25 years ago upon moving from DC to MA if I’d be a goldsmith, I would have chuckled. After earning undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Michigan, I had a 30 year fulfilling career working in educational policy on a national level. As serendipity would have it, after moving, I signed up for a metalsmithing course and the rest is history. While continuing to work in educational policy, I gradually shifted my career to being a full-time goldsmith and have built a successful business selling my work throughout the country in galleries, shows, and to private clients. I also teach metalsmithing courses which has allowed me to continue my focus on education.

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

Rings from this collection will ship, or be available for pick up, after the competition concludes on March 29.