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BATTLE of the RINGS 2026

BATTLE of the RINGS, otherwise known as the RING SMACKDOWN, is a head-to-head, tournament style, single-elimination competition, juried exhibition, and virtual event with a top prize of $500. This year 32 selected rings will compete daily, May 11-29, 2026. The last rings standing will be crowned, The Ring Smackdown Champion. The competition is open to all: students, hobbyist and professionals.

COMPETITION and VOTING: Matches between selected rings will be posted daily for exactly 24 hours, as a poll to our Instagram story. Friends and followers are encouraged to participate by voting for their favorite rings. Each match is worth three points, one from the winner of the Instagram poll, two additional points are given by the jury. The ring with the most points advances to the next round.

SELECTED RINGS and PROCESS: Two jurors will select 16 exceptional rings each to be drafted to two teams for competition, The Shanks and The Mandrels. To level the playing field, all 32 rings will be professionally photographed at a minimum of three angles and videos of each ring will be made to highlight vital features. Selected rings will be posted twice daily to our Instagram and FB feed throughout the competition. All selected rings will be exhibited and available to purchase through our online gallery and brick and brick and mortar shop, Danaca Design Gallery, in Seattle, WA. 

ALTERNATES: Each juror will select up to 2 alternates to participate in competition in the event that a ring is unable to compete. Alternate rings will be photographed and represented in the gallery and are subject to the same rules as competing rings. Additionally, alternates will participate in a five-day mini battle!

PRIZES: Top: $500 and all the glory. Runner up: TBA and lots of glory. A third prize will be given to a selected winner for use of Alternative Materials: TBA

THE RULES:

  • One submission per artist
  • The ring must be an original design created by submitting artist
  • The ring must not exceed 4x4x4 inches
  • The ring must fit fingers between US size 5-10 (NO EXCEPTIONS)
  • No restriction on the nature of material used or shape within above parameters.
  • All selected rings must be shipped to Danaca Design and the artists will be responsible for return shipping if the ring does not sell.
  • The retail price of the ring must be a minimum of $400 and not exceed $1,600 USD.
  • All selected rings must be available for purchase through Danaca Design Gallery, 50/50 split; for the duration of the exhibition dates.

  • Play fair and have fun! This competition is designed to be a fun and promote exciting and inventive jewelry. Any participant may be disqualified at any point during the competition for practicing poor sportsmanship as determined by the organizers.*

TIMELINE:

February 12: Entry form will be live

March 12: deadline to enter

March 17: artist notification

April 2: selected rings due to gallery (5625 University Way NE, Seattle WA 98105)

Exhibition Dates: May 11 - June 15, 2026

Opening Reception: May 3, 1-4

Competition Dates: May 11 - 29, 2026

Closing Reception: TBD

Unsold Rings Return Shipped: mid June

FEES:

Entry Fee $20

Participation Fee - If your ring is selected, we will require an addition participation fee of $50.  This fee includes:

  • A full Color Exhibition Catalog showcasing all participating artists and rings.
  • Professional Photography, from three different angles including photos with a hand model to showcase how the ring looks when worn.
  • Gallery Exhibition insurance
  • Marketing & Promotion of Battle of the Rings and your work through several channels, including social media & email marketing, to maximize exposure and sales potential.

JURORS: TBA

FAQ, click HERE