Silver wire knotted ring

[donkarlos]

So in an old farm area I found this ring today about 8" down in a solid clump of dirt. Also today I found a colonial button, key escutcheon, and some random metal, etc.
I cleaned it up with a little baking soda. It's kind of fragile as you can see one of the three wires is slightly bent.
Basically I'm looking for any feedback regarding the possible age. Thanks!

 

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[cudamark]

Hard to say. I've found a few rings made like that too. I didn't figure that they were old.......just homemade.

 

[tamrock]

I've got one kind of like it and if you look carefully you'll see the ring is made of one continuous strand of silver wire. I do think it's sterling and I can only guess some artisan would make them on the spot much like the person who'd write your name on a single grain of rice at county fairs and carivals. I'd say it's no earlier then 40-50 years old. Something you'd see done in the 1970's IMO.

 

[donkarlos]

Thanks - by the nature of the area and the depth I was thinking older but the reality is probably the 70's like you say. It was a surprise nonetheless.

 

[donkarlos]

Here's the other stuff. I was hoping to find a key escutcheon someday!

 

[BackwoodsDiva]

I do not have a link for you as I'm doing this by memory. I hand make jewelry and wire work is my favorite. This is just my opinion.
The design is Celtic in origin. It's even used in expensive jewelry today. If I am correct that design is called three row infinity love ring.. A figure 8 is twisted in back symbolizing the couples promise to stay together for infinity. (think soul mates) The three wires thread through the two knots/souls. This symbolizes a bond. Marriage, friendship etc. .

 

[donkarlos]

That's so cool - thank you! The wire itself seems to be square instead of round. That probably made it look older to me.

 

[BackwoodsDiva]

That's so cool - thank you! The wire itself seems to be square instead of round. That probably made it look older to me.

Yes you can buy square wire. It could still be old. I know this little tip about older wire wraps. The Sumerians pounded metal mixed with gold into sheets. Then they cut it into strips and twisted it to make wire. So twisted pieces are older. If there is no solder. Next came what you have and with stronger metals available there was no need to twist it. It is also made into sheets and cut into strips. But that doesn't mean the ring is old. Because that wire can still be purchased today. So dating it is hard. It could be silver. Does it bend/give easy? Or is it pretty stiff and heavy?

 

[BackwoodsDiva]

Opps, sorry I just notice where you stated it was fragile. It's probably sliver then. BTW, It's really beautiful.

 

[sutphin]

NICE RING AND ESCHUTCHESON ..

 

[donkarlos]

Thanks- yes the knot part is pretty solid but I could see the three strands bending away from each other. The signal was 12-40 and it cleaned up in the typical silver way, though I didn't scrub it so to leave some character to it.