Catholic adjustable heavy ring

[catholic1962]

Where and whom by was it made? The person I bought it from claims it is from the 1940's era. That is all the information they provided.

The symbols and other markings I fully understand, it is it's origin and/or maker which I cannot seem to trace.

The ring measures under an inch in diameter and is currently about a 6-1/2 ring size as it is now "adjusted".

The metal is a very heavy 1-1/2mm brass or copper.

Thanks for any help.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Diving for Pleasure and Treasure - Grab it through Amazon!

[Breezie]

Welcome to the forum. The word 'adjustable' is one of the key words for this ring.

I don't think you'll have to worry about anyone on TNet 'spamming' a website or individual. We're here to help, not harm.

If you know what the ring means and the person & place you bought it, why don't you know the 'origin.' Maybe I don't understand your question.

Breezie

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Lookie, lookie!

ANTIQUE ITALIAN SILVER RELIGIOUS RING

The ring has a very detailed cross on it's face with 4 icons, on the sides is IHS and a cross on the other. The inside of the ring are two images, one is an oval with a cross above an M surrounded by 12 stars. Above that is, I believe, an image of Mother and Child. At one time it seems to have been adjustable, looks as though it was molded to fit about a 6 1/2 -7. The face is about 5/8" wide. Highly detailed, beautiful ring.

 

[catholic1962]

Charlie P,

Where did you get this information? I suspect it may be from the same place (a website) I bought the item. I cannot see photos that others send, but am trying to get this solved at this time. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

That was off "Worthpoint"; which is an engine that grabs info from Internet auction sites - ebaY for example. It could have come from God knows where. (Slight pun intended).

 

[Breezie]

I found the same one too. Here's the link:
http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/antique-italian-silver-religious-ring

Breezie

 

[catholic1962]

Thanks for the links and photos, Breezie and Charlie P.

The item from Worthpoint is identical in design, but the stamp that it was made in Italy is not present on mine. Even under high magnification, I cannot seen where it could have even been present.

The casting and relief detail is much more detailed on the "silver" version. My ring has been worn smooth mainly on the very front, most likely due to the inferior metal that was used. This also seems to indicate someone who had it may have constantly rubbed it, perhaps by nervous habit or even a devotional habit, as many sacramentals are often kissed or touched a great deal, to express devotion. There are no scratches present on the front images.

These items were often mass produced and given away, hence the metals were not expensive ones. The wearing of this item produced a slight "greening" of my skin, but seems to have stopped now. It had been noted that it was dipped in something that gave it a shiny, copper coat. The color now in the places where I have touched it (in the short time I have worn it) is now a silver color. I am no expert in metals or jewlery enhancing techniques.

Many items like this (especially medals) are often made in Italy, but to actually know where they were cast is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Many vintage molds are still used and this can be seen by the style of the relief and other small details.

To speculate is always a mistake, but a picture is truly worth a thousand words. Actual physical inspection may say even more. I always try to notice the small things, which tells us a great deal.

I ordered my ring from a site called Etsy.com.

http://www.etsy.com/?ref=so_home

Some merchants there offer many vintage Catholic sacramentals, but very little history of where they came from. One merchant had an identical item offered, but it sold and then I seen the one I have now, but from a different merchant. I shall try to track down the first listing to see some photos and do comparisons.

Thanks for all the help so far.

 

[erinmaryg]

Hi all, i am new to this site. I do a little bit of antiquing and i actually have this exact ring. i have no idea what kind of metal it is made of but it looks silver, like the pictures above. do any of you have an idea of what its worth? i would really appreciate any information on value you all can give. thanks so much!

erinmaryg