Antique silver ring and more during low tide hunt

[DocBeav]

Went out a few hours before low tide to hit the beach where I had found the platinum ring a couple of days ago. Beach was even lower now and had many more targets then in previous days. Found the silver ring in a nice low spot that was pretty good size, right at the low tide line, but all the tgts were in one small area (SW side) which makes sense a we have had some pretty good winds from out of the NE for a while now. That was the only worthwhile tgt in the spot though, it was LOADED with screws and bolts (all brass) but nothing else, no trash...just the ring. Found the other on my return leg. Sounded like a pull tab. At first I though it might be silver as it didn't sound like gold on the GT but after finding no markings and seeing the "pitting" or "flaking" in some spots on it it has to be something plated...aka JUNK! Really like that silver, no idea of age but it looks OLD and i believe the small stone in it is amber. I've seen some before and it has the same look to it. Anyone able to date it? I know from some research that the "925" in silver was being used in England and France for a LONG time but it started in the US in the late 1880's and became mandatory sometime 1904-06. Thanks for looking!

 

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[CASPER-2]

silver had to contain 925 - that long ago - but was not marked it that long
older US silver is usually marked sterling - most clearly stamped 925 silver is 30yrs or less in age

 

[DocBeav]

Here are some better picts now that I blasted some of the crud of the ring:

 

[DocBeav]

Thanks for the info Casper...I hadn't heard that before. Everything I was reading online indicated it was mandatory for them to begin marking US jewelry sometime in the early 1900's.....really looks much older than 30 years but who knows. Came outta the Chesapeake Bay so it could have come from anywhere....local, tourist or ship passing by....

 

[jewelerguy]

interesting stone. almost looks like amber

 

[DocBeav]

interesting stone. almost looks like amber

That's what I was thinking too....looks like it but....another trip to the jeweler again!

 

[Breezie]

Doc, Yes you are correct; the US used .925 in the late Victorian period and was mandatory circa 1904. And, yes, it was used by other countries before then. Also the 'decimal' was dropped in 1973 due to the new Hallmarking Act, plus the font changed a wee bit. Is your ring marked .925 or just 925?

Since we don't know what country made this ring, it is going to be hard to date it, but I can date the 'style' of the ring. The style is Victorian. Now the question is: Was this ring made during the Victorian period or is it a modern ring 'styled' after those made in the Victorian period?

I would suggest taking it to a jewelry store that has a certified Gemologist. Find out if the stone is indeed Amber. If so, I'd have it professionally cleaned. All of the gold and Sterling rings that I find at the beach that look like yours, I have professionally cleaned. The difference is amazing, and the cost is generally under $20.00 or so. After cleaning, the Gemologist should be able to determine if the ring is modern or antique. Not seeing it in person, and just judging by the photos, I'm going with antique Sterling with Amber stone (or maybe that is wishful thinking for you!)

I'll see if I can find a before/after photo of some of my beach rings.

Super find!
Breezie

 

[DocBeav]

Thanks Breezie! Ring is marked with just 925. No decimal that I can see. I'll be taking it in tomorrow! Don't think they will charge me though. Brought a few rings in to them now and one girl there loves seeing what I have and always offers to clean stuff! She also gave me a lead on where she lost a diamond tennis bracelet 5 years ago but I'm willing to bet Max got to it long ago!

 

[vpnavy]