Artist: Karen Keller, Washington
Materials: sterling silver
Size: 9.3
Dimensions: Top = 12mm high, 30mm round / Band Width = 1/4”

Artist Statement: My love for unexpected surprises, heirloom pieces, and challenging personal limits is what inspired this ring. This piece hides a twist lock drawer that is meant to hold something special for its wearer. Beetles are symbols of resilience, regeneration, and renewal. Twist the lid clockwise, lift, and continue twisting to lock the drawer open. Twist counterclockwise firmly to lock the lid shut.

Artist Bio: Karen Keller is best known for her original jewelry. She has a Bachelors of Fine Art, but found a passion in silversmithing outside of her school classes. As a mostly self-taught silversmith, she wants her work to be wearable pieces of art. “I love the process of making each piece by hand because I like to feel connected to my pieces and want to feel connected to the wearers.” Using sterling silver and gemstones, her work is both handmade and one of a kind. Influenced by architectural shapes and forms from the Art Deco, and Craftsman eras, Karen utilizes high contrast framework, lean lines, negative space, and shapes found within these art styles when designing her pieces. A desire to constantly learn, and grow within the medium has led her to refine current technique while pushing to explore new techniques.

This ring is part of Battle of the Rings: Ring Smackdown 2022, an online exhibition and competition. Shop the entire collection , view the matches , and learn more .

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