Silver Cross Ring - Jewelers Mark Question

[The Beep Goes On]

Silver Cross Ring - Jeweler's Mark Question

I found this about 80 miles NW of Houston at my friends mom's place. Her house occupies the site of a church that was there about 100 years ago. The ring was under a large bush...it was the first ring I ever found (5 or so years ago).

My question is: Is there any way to use the jeweler's mark to find out when and where it was made? Is ther an online resource for this type of info?

I've included a pic of the ring and a crappy drawing of the jeweler's mark...

 

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[Southcacalaky]

Re: Silver Cross Ring - Jeweler's Mark Question

Not sure about the mark itself, but the STER I would say it's Sterling, HH Art...

 

[civilman1]

Re: Silver Cross Ring - Jeweler's Mark Question

That's a nice ring there Beep,look's pretty heavy.What's the size?Thinking about selling it?WTG and HH!!Sorry can't help with the mark.

 

[The Beep Goes On]

Re: Silver Cross Ring - Jeweler's Mark Question

I found this quote

"The United States has never used hallmarks per se. Indications of fineness or karat have been required since 1906, but fineness marks were sometimes stamped on silver jewelry in the 19th century (?coin? or ?standard? for 900 silver, ?sterling? for 925). "

at this URL...

http://www.modernsilver.com/basichallmarks.htm

This may indicate that it is pre-1906. The article also said the the letters have to do with the year...some kind of rotating basis...capital letters, then lower-case letters. Jewellers marks, or "Hallmarks" have to be registered at the Assay Office (at least nowadays), so maybe they can tell me something.

civilman1 -> It's heavy, but small...doesn't even fit on my pinky all the way.? It was probably a kids baptism ring, or something...really don't know.? I don't want to sell, and you probably wouldn't want to buy, seeing as it's too small to wear.

 

[civilman1]

Re: Silver Cross Ring - Jeweler's Mark Question

Thank's for the reply Beep,just curious.Nice item.HH!!

 

[newtocoinhunting]

Re: Silver Cross Ring - Jeweler's Mark Question

I didn't find your mark, but here's a list of some mystery silver marks for future reference:
http://www.modernsilver.com/MYSTMARKS.html

I don't own a copy myself, but you might check out this book:
Pocket Edition Jackson's Hallmarks: English, Scottish, Irish Silver and Gold Marks from 1300 to Present Day (Paperback)
by Ian Pickford (Editor)
Paperback: 172 pages
Publisher: Antique Collectors' Club; N.e.of Pocket Ed edition (January 1, 1993)
Language: English
ISBN: 1851491694

 

[Mona Lisa]

Re: Silver Cross Ring - Jeweler's Mark Question

That's a really nice ring, Beep. Looks like a lot of silver.

By the way, I like your name. I makes me think of my brother cuz Beep was his nickname.

 

[stoney56]

Re: Silver Cross Ring - Jeweler's Mark Question

925? is the usual mark for sterling but I don't know when they began that.? Condition suggests it is at least sterling--platinum and white gold are white metals also.? Marks are tough.? Try searching antique jewelry boards.? Maybe Christian Jewelry.? I'm guessing the 3 candles are the Trinity.? It could be the rectory/order/convent/etc. had their own jewelry-maker.? The crucifix feels Roman or Greek or something.? (How's that for expertise?)

FWIW.

Cyn

Flea may be pretty close. I have a hunch (nothing I can research on this computer) that it may either be Greek Orthodox or Egyptian (but it isn't an ankh).

 

[The Beep Goes On]

Re: Silver Cross Ring - Jeweler's Mark Question

Thanks everyone for your help!

Flea -> It was tarnished very brown, but not corroded. It cleaned up fairly easily. It was about 6" down.

haupin ->

The only thing I can add is that the "O" below the candelabra might be a sun or moon...kind of hard to make out. The "A" and "STER" are definite.