18K Old Gold!

[Lookn4Seated]

Went out to an old homestead site I found on the 1861 plat maps and the first signal I dug was an 1907 IH. Second signal was a 46-D Roosecelt dime, and then I got a solid quarter signal at about 7 inches. I couldn't find the target for the life of me, until I saw what looked like a copper disc. I thought I had finally found my LC.

It wasn't a largie, and I couldn't really tell what it was. I thought it may be a pipe fitting and just threw it in my junk pocket. When I got home, it was on my mind so I decided to clean it off to see what kind of a fitting it was. A RING Fitting is what I discovered, and on top of that it is stamped 18K! It must be old due to the color and design. And especially the font of the "18K".

I don't know how to go about cleaning it so I don't ruin it. Any suggestions?

I attached a bunch of photos of what it looked like dirty and then cleaned up just a little bit. I will update photos once I clean it thoroughly. Enjoy and HH!

[d-dub]

Wow. You weren't kidding, that ring is huge! Congrats on the first gold ring the etrac!

[litefire56]

Nice old ring Jon! But I wouldn't clean it anymore if you want to have any gold left on it.
That's the best its gonna get.

[etrac007]

I HATE TO SAY IT BUTT , I THINK ITS PLATED IT SEEMS LIKE ALOT OF 18K STUFF IS . I HOPE I'M WRONG! CONGRATS ON YOUR ROSIE!

[Pocket Spill]

Nice hunt. I think someone got duped when they bought that ring but it is still a great find.

[Lowbatts]

Yeah, that stamp was a bit of overstatement to be sure. 18k gold does not look like that when it comes out of the ground pretty much no matter how old it is.

But yeah, it's gotta be an oldie, maybe granny lost it in the vegetable garden in the way-back days? Might be a good spot to run over again, slowly!

[watercolor]

Yep, that sure is an old ring

But unfortunately, as others suggest, I fear that one's been gold plated and marked 18K to mislead.

I wouldn't be surprised if that was a "carny" ring sold on the midway after sundown. Cool find though

[mikefromIllinois]

i think your ring is what is known as rose gold. if you type it in and hit search it should take you to the site. mike.

[kimsdad]

Cool ring, Jon - even plated!!!

It sure looks like an oldie!

[DPBOB]

Back in they day they had some smart crooks too....
Nice oldie though