Any help indentifying this RING would be appreciated

[mikesh1986]

Found this ring a few weeks back under an old tree at local library... any help identifying it would be greatly appreciated. It's probably nothing but would still like to know. It says sterling silver on the band not sure if pictures are good enough to see that. Thanks in advance for any and all help.

 

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[diggummup]

Roman soldier intaglio sterling ring, the stone could be hematite, onyx or even glass- many similars-
https://www.google.com/search?q=rom...ved=0ahUKEwjetOOMoP_MAhUT4GMKHbBnB9YQ_AUIBigB

 

[mikesh1986]

Wow you're quick on the draw lol. Thanks! You think it'd be worth anything or just another piece to add to my non-coin collection?

 

[jewelerguy]

welcome to the forum mikesh1986 . diggumup gave you the correct identification. that style of ring was very popular in the late 1940's, so I feel it's a safe bet to assume it's that old

 

[diggummup]

Wow you're quick on the draw lol. Thanks! You think it'd be worth anything or just another piece to add to my non-coin collection?

It has an intrinsic value just because it is sterling silver. If it were mine, it would go with the rest of my collection of sterling rings. Silver is very low at the moment. Current market value (not silver value) is around $25-$40, repaired in my opinion.

 

[mikesh1986]

Thanks y'all for the help... I usually am more of a coin hunter but am always interested to dig up anything interesting... Also... My friends and I are always looking for good places to detect... We know about school yards and old houses and parks and stuff but are there any places out of the ordinary y'all would suggest to try? Kinds of places maybe y'all have tried and had luck? I've dug up countless clad coins worth only face value and only one silver dime which I was very excited about. Just looking for any different ideas. Thanks

 

[diggummup]

Thanks y'all for the help... I usually am more of a coin hunter but am always interested to dig up anything interesting... Also... My friends and I are always looking for good places to detect... We know about school yards and old houses and parks and stuff but are there any places out of the ordinary y'all would suggest to try? Kinds of places maybe y'all have tried and had luck? I've dug up countless clad coins worth only face value and only one silver dime which I was very excited about. Just looking for any different ideas. Thanks

I'd start by researching my town's history to begin with. Cross referencing new maps with old Sanborn maps showing where buildings and/or homesteads used to stand but no longer do is a good resource. I take it you're from St. Louis Michigan? History

 

[ScubaDetector]

They still make those rings in silver and gold. I have a few of both. One gold one with two diamonds also. Yours is older since it says sterling instead of .925, however it is worth melt value unless you find a buyer that might enjoy it.

 

[diggummup]

They still make those rings in silver and gold. I have a few of both. One gold one with two diamonds also. Yours is older since it says sterling instead of .925, however it is worth melt value unless you find a buyer that might enjoy it.

There is a market for these or they wouldn't be producing them still. Make sense? My jeweler would repair that for $10 at most. That would make it a marketable piece of jewelry worth what I already stated previously.

I've sold all 3 of these types of rings in the past, gold, silver and silver with gold. All sold for a nice bit over melt value. I'll buy any and all your sterling jewelry for melt value, all day long.

 

[mikesh1986]

Alma. Borders St. Louis. I've heard about those Sanborn fire insurance maps... Unfortunately I have to travel to Lansing to the MSU library to get any of them. I've done quite a bit of research of local history and it's hard to find much that would lead me to some nice spots to dig. Most of the time my buddy and I will come across what looks to be a decent place to dig but nobody keeps the lawn mowed down so detecting in tall grass can be a pain haha

 

[on.off]

fyi,
the maker's mark is that of Vargas Mfg. Co. of providence, in business from 1945 until uncertain--different sources have different info. they were prolific producers of rings in particular. this looks like circa 50s or 60s.

 

[AU Seeker]

Alma. Borders St. Louis. I've heard about those Sanborn fire insurance maps... Unfortunately I have to travel to Lansing to the MSU library to get any of them. I've done quite a bit of research of local history and it's hard to find much that would lead me to some nice spots to dig. Most of the time my buddy and I will come across what looks to be a decent place to dig but nobody keeps the lawn mowed down so detecting in tall grass can be a pain haha

You can view Sanborn fire insurance maps online on many different websites, one such site is the Library Of Congress, if you do't find what you seek at the following link do a web search for Sanborn fire insurance maps for your particular state.

https://www.loc.gov/

https://www.loc.gov/rr/geogmap/sanborn/