Old ring from a fresh water lake

[Mi$terG]

With some time off this summer I've tried my hand at fresh water hunting with the AT Pro. Unfortunately I don't have a long handle scoop (if you can recommend one to me please send me a PM) so I've had to stay at a max of waist deep with a hand scoop. On Friday I got in the water and found some more 30-40 year old clad... And then I got a nice high tone in about 2 feet of water. I thought it might be a dime... But to my surprise when I looked in the scoop I saw a dark gray ring- most likely silver! When I got it home and cleaned up I confirmed it was silver despite the lack of a 925 or any other hallmark. Looking at it I'm certain that it's hand-made, and had been in the water for decades based on the tarnish... But can't decide whether it's American Indian made or if it predates 1868- when it became mandatory for Jewellers to stamp sterling jewelry. Any opinions out there? Thanks for looking!

 

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[Subterranean]

I can't help you on the dating or who made it, sorry. But, I will say "Congratulations!" It is an oldie and a beauty. I have never seen NA made jewelry with the symmetrical squared shapes in it. NA is usually animal, rounded, curved, oval shapes, but hey, that is only what I have seen. Maybe JewelryGuy will chime in! Sub

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Nice ring fine! Congratualtions!

 

[CASPER-2]

PMing you

 

[tomhighland]

Great job on a unique ring find. Eventually you will need a better scoop with the long handle. I attached a snow shovel handle to my hand scoop and it works fine for now.

 

[ClovisOak]

Beautiful ring, and cleaned up pretty nice. I have found a similar heavily tarnished sterling ring and have gently tried using baking soda in warm water and it has cleaned up somewhat. Curious to how you cleaned yours? Don't think Native American made but the zig zags on the side do look kind of Native American. Anything on the back side of the band pattern wise?
HH

 

[CRUSADER]

"predates 1868- when it became mandatory"
That's not a hard & fast rule, many countries to consider, & just because its Law doesn't mean it happens. Lots of UK companies/individuals dodged the taxes (assaying) for hundreds of years.
To me I would say 1920s-30s. Guess.

 

[HCW]

"predates 1868- when it became mandatory"
That's not a hard & fast rule, many countries to consider, & just because its Law doesn't mean it happens. Lots of UK companies/individuals dodged the taxes (assaying) for hundreds of years.
To me I would say 1920s-30s. Guess.

I agree. Or later. Very nice clean-up and ring ,just the same though.

 

[treblehunter]

I'm claiming old silver. Rings are cool, I love them. here is a good link to great scoops.
Reillys Treasured Gold - RTG Royal Stainless Water Scoop series

They have aluminum ones too!

 

[BigWaveDave]

Yes, Reilly's Tresured Gold scoops are the best...
But whatever Casper recommends, go with it.

 

[against the wind]

Excellent save,,
Congrats

 

[trapperart]

Congrats on a nice ring

 

[Mi$terG]

Beautiful ring, and cleaned up pretty nice. I have found a similar heavily tarnished sterling ring and have gently tried using baking soda in warm water and it has cleaned up somewhat. Curious to how you cleaned yours? Don't think Native American made but the zig zags on the side do look kind of Native American. Anything on the back side of the band pattern wise?
HH

Thanks for comments. First used water and baking soda and rubbed with fingers- lightly brushed with tooth brush. Then used some silver polish.

 

[Msbeepbeep]

Very sweet silver ring congrsts!
Looks like it had a very rough journey.
Great save!

 

[Mi$terG]

I'm claiming old silver. Rings are cool, I love them. here is a good link to great scoops.
Reillys Treasured Gold - RTG Royal Stainless Water Scoop series

They have aluminum ones too!

Thanks very much, Treblehunter. Casper suggested the RTG aluminum two-piece travel scoop- think I will go with that one. Thanks again for the link!
~Geoff

 

[ScubaDetector]

First congrats on the silver ring. I have lots of them not marked and a few gold also. As stated, rules were not followed by every country.

If you are interested in a quality scoop with a lifetime warranty, also look at Sunspot Stealth scoops made here in Michigan. I have two and I think they are the best.

LOL I know there have been lots of scoop discussions. Everyone has an opinion.