QuestionI have an old masonic ring that is enameled gold. On the inside is has only
the letter C - not in a circle, not on a shield, not anything except the letter C.
I would like to know what that means. Is the ring really gold if there is no
karat mark? It is pretty old, so I was not sure.
AnswerDear Kilroy,
The letter "C" in the ring means nothing to me concerning the quality of the metal. This is not a mark used to signify gold content. Most of the Masonic rings coming into our shop are made of 10k gold. I vaguely remember seeing one which was plated and not karat gold but that has been years ago and I seem to remember believing the ring was an inexpensive copy, making it a fake.
The letter in the ring can be part of a manufacturers stamp or perhaps remnants of a previous owners initials. Over time and with possible changing of the finger size, it is not surprising if other marks which were there are obliterated from finishing work or removed in a section of metal taken out for sizing.
Right now the only way to really know is to have the metal tested. With gold prices high, many jewelers are set up to buy gold and that means they should be set up to test the metal. Call first to be sure someone is there who can test the metal for you and find out about charges for that service.
Kilroy, I wish you the best with the ring and hope it proves to be gold.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
