Identifying Antique Rings: Understanding Stones & Markings

Question

my ring   QUESTION: i have a really old ring given to me years ago, and i was wondering what the stones are, it's white gold one big clear blue rectangle stone in the middle and one diamond like stone on each side...there are also markings on the inside of the band, a c with a crown in the middle and a diamond shape with Li inside, if you could help me out i would appreciate it thanks
katy

ANSWER: HI KATY,

I'M NO EXPERT IN ANTIQUE RINGS BUT YOU MENTIONED IN THE DESCRIPTION IS WAS A "WHITE GOLD" RING BUT YOU DON'T MENTION ANY GOLD QUALITY STAMP LIKE '14K'. IF IT IS NOT GOLD THEN YOU COULD ASSUME THE STONES ARE IMITATIONS. I'M SURE THE MARKINGS INSIDE ARE THE HALLMARK FOR THE MANUFACTURING COMPANY AND SOME IDENTIFIER MARKER. IF THEY ARE IMITATIONS THEN THEY PROBABLY ARE SYNTHETIC SPINEL. IT IS A PRETTY RING AND YOU SHOULD BE PROUD TO WEAR IT. GOOD LUCK.

PETER


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: it has a 10k stamp also i didn't mention that because i know what it means
katy

Answer
HI KATY,

WELL THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE. 10K IS NOT USUALLY FINE JEWELERY BUT IT COULD MEAN THE STONES COULD BE REAL. TO KNOW THAT, I WOULD NEED TO SEE THE STONES AND TEST THEM. THEY COULD BE ANY NUMBER OF STONES AND I HESITATE TO GUESS. TRY YOUR LOCAL JEWELER AND SEE IF HE CAN HELP. SORRY I CAN'T BE MORE HELPFUL.

PETER