QuestionSteven,
I am in the automotive industry and a member of AllExperts. I get questions all the time about the value of a vehicle. While that is outside of my expertise (I locate and sell Antique Auto Parts) I understand that the value of a vehicle is contingent on it's condition. With that in mind, if you don't mind my bothering you with this question...?
My Mother passed away in November of last year. We can find no will so it is going to Probate Court. When we entered the house the day after her passing, my sister saw Mom's ruby ring laying on the kitchen table and took it, saying, "I'm glad no one saw this" and put it into her pocket.
The ruby was my Grandfather's and when he passed away, my Grandmother had it made into a "Pinky" ring for my mother. The ruby is about the size of a shirt button. Say 3/8 of an inch in diameter. I don't know how thick the stone is. Knowing my Grandfather, it was probably of decent quality, however.
Could you (and I know this is the difficult part) give me a high and low estimate for the value? Obviously my sister will not even admit to her taking it but I have witnesses. I cannot get the ring, let alone take to a local jeweler for appraisal.
If you could just give me a ball park, that is all I want.
As far as history of the ruby, I would guess my Grandfather purchased it in the 1930's or 40's. He passed away in the late 1950's and that is when my Grandmother had the ruby made into a "Pinky" ring for my Mother.
Steven, any help would be appreciated. I called a local jeweler and they told me they would have to see the ring. I understand that but my sister will not even acknowledge any knowledge of the ring since she took it from the estate and it all has to go through court.
May I state that I will, in NO way, expect your estimate to be valid since you have not seen the ring. I just want to know if I should go after this or just let her know I saw her steal the ring and let her know she is just a thief. I know this is ugly. Make sure your parents have a will and you know where it is!! Make sure YOU have a will and your kids know where it is!!
In closing, I hope to hear from you soon with something. I hope this finds you and your family well and happy. IF you are a Father, Happy Father's Day. Until the next time..
Skip
AnswerHello,
My first question is, is it natural? There are a lot of synthetic rubies out there dating back the the 1800's. A ruby that large would stand a good chance of being synthetic. The other question is, is it a ruby, it is possible it is a garnet or a something else red. It is not only necessary to see the stone but to examine it under microscope and also run tests to confirm the type of stone and if synthetic or natural.
You would need a gemologist appraise it to get a good answer to your question. Anything less is a guess.
Sorry I could not help you better.
Regards,
Steven D.Covey
