can anyone age this ring?

[postalgriff]

I found this ring last night in a construction area. I was hoping someone could age it for me because it may end up in a display for a local museum. The spot where I dug this has local history and I am hoping to find some nice relics for a display. thanks, Griff

 

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[jgas]

Someone will chime in here....I would figure that the 14K had a beginning as far as the stamping goes. My guess would be no earlier than 1890....wild guess tho... jgas

 

[BioProfessor]

Nice find but something just doesn't look right. I would not expect 14K gold to come out of the ground like this. In the Jewelry business, you have to have a registered trademark in order to mark a piece of jewelry with a gold quality. If this ring has the 14K stamp but not another mark for a maker or manufacturer, it may be what would be termed a "Knockoff" or a piece that has been marked "illegally." I have seen quite a few rings come out of the ground and unless there is a harsh environment (Like the ring posted recently by Breezie), the gold is about the same as it went into the ground. Maybe it needs cleaning. I can't tell.

The easiest way to tell the age of this piece may be the cut on the stone and/or the mounting. A trip to a good jeweler may be worth the time. They should be able to tell how the stone was cut and when this type of mount was used. I can tell you that the more prongs the better as far as the quality of the ring and stone. So that part looks right. But the number of facets doesn't "say" the same thing. Just my opinion.

So do a bit of cleaning, take it in, and let us know if we still have a mystery.

Daryl

 

[CRUSADER]

Nice find but something just doesn't look right. I would not expect 14K gold to come out of the ground like this. In the Jewelry business, you have to have a registered trademark in order to mark a piece of jewelry with a gold quality. If this ring has the 14K stamp but not another mark for a maker or manufacturer, it may be what would be termed a "Knockoff" or a piece that has been marked "illegally." I have seen quite a few rings come out of the ground and unless there is a harsh environment (Like the ring posted recently by Breezie), the gold is about the same as it went into the ground. Maybe it needs cleaning. I can't tell.

The easiest way to tell the age of this piece may be the cut on the stone and/or the mounting. A trip to a good jeweler may be worth the time. They should be able to tell how the stone was cut and when this type of mount was used. I can tell you that the more prongs the better as far as the quality of the ring and stone. So that part looks right. But the number of facets doesn't "say" the same thing. Just my opinion.

So do a bit of cleaning, take it in, and let us know if we still have a mystery.

Daryl

can't add much to that other than agreeing it doesn't look solid Gold & maybe brass or gold plated. stone looks a bit glass like

maybe something like a 1920s carnival/fair prize

 

[Mr Tuff]

think it is fake ... the prongs would bend long before they would have broke i think :P nice find still!!! MR TUFF

 

[thrillathahunt]

I have to agree with the others. This ring does not appear to be "real" 14k gold. You need to have it tested. A jeweler will do it for you free usually.

 

[Breezie]

Well, being the one who has found 'funky' gold rings that turned out beautifully, I need to add my 2 cents. The first question is: Where was it found; not literally, but was it close to water, sand, surf, salt, or any other elements that would affect the metal? The stone looks to be a topaz judging by the color. I agree with the gang in that you need to take it to a jeweler (not pawn) and have it tested, and if it is the real deal, the professional cleaning cost is well worth it. Below are the before and after pics of the ring Daryl was talking about. Nice find, Breezie

 

[CRUSADER]

Well, being the one who has found 'funky' gold rings that turned out beautifully, I need to add my 2 cents. The first question is: Where was it found; not literally, but was it close to water, sand, surf, salt, or any other elements that would affect the metal? The stone looks to be a topaz judging by the color. I agree with the gang in that you need to take it to a jeweler (not pawn) and have it tested, and if it is the real deal, the professional cleaning cost is well worth it. Below are the before and after pics of the ring Daryl was talking about. Nice find, Breezie

Agreed we do get surprises from time to time with gold or silver coming out kinda like it shouldn't. However, yours looks like it had a good hallmark. This one has 14K one which is similar to many CW period brass/copper rings which had 10K etc on them & were replacements for the real deal (& or fakes) so that the Husband could leave the valueable ring with the Wife & kids but still show he was married whilst at War.

anyway, good discussion & that ring came up beautiful - lovely find & transformation!

More importantly he wanted a date, which I'm going to stick to it being no older than 1900, but its a finger in the air job, any other takers?

 

[CRUSADER]

Since it is an artifact for a display, I do not think he is so much interested in the "jewelry quality" of the ring as much as the dating of it.

Good job on working to share some history with the people. I cannot think of anyone else who would benefit from it!

agreed, good job on the display, something that takes me hours to do but well worth the discussions with the Public. Who are as amazed as I am about whats lurking in the ground!