Naomi Zarch | The Explorers Loupe

Artist: Naomi Zarch, California
Materials: sterling silver, fine silver, brass, moss agate, glass
Size: 8.5

Artist Statement: I have always had a penchant for collecting nature’s litter & scraps, the little bits she drops & sheds in her ever-churning cycle of recreation. This ring was made with the explorer's heart in mind. A treasure itself, like it was formed of the loamy earth, supporting turkey tails, moss & lichen. A trove to not only hold your treasures, but the design inspired by a jeweler's loupe, to inspect them more carefully in the glass magnifier lens. Whatever ephemera comes to visit the Explorers Loupe also becomes part of the design, shifting the appearance of the ring with its magnified textures & colors. What treasures will you find today? Perhaps a tiny feather, a seed pod or skeletal leaf? A patterned pebble or lavender sprig? It’s a big world full of endless intrigues in all its tiniest pieces.

Artist Bio: Hello! I’m Naomi, technically a third-generation jeweler, with fond childhood memories of spending time with my Dad & Grandpa at their downtown Chicago jewelry shop (though only in the past couple years have I really delved into this jewelry making journey).  

Since those days I’ve moved around a bit & traveled a bunch, landing more recently here in Sacramento, Ca. I feel I gather my inspiration through my lifetime of travel & experiences pulling together my musings from the classic push & pull between nature, man & the unknown. I’ve truly fallen in love with metal, stone & hope to share the joy of this art with you all.

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.