QuestionI have a ring that I bought at one of those curiosity/thrift shops that specializes in novelty items, antiques and what-nots. It was in a very small town, so I do not think it was informed on the value of many of its items.
We were told that the shop did not believe in selling silver jewelery. So I bought the ring under the impression that it was just an interesting piece of junk.
As I continued to rub it, the tarnish came away. Within a few weeks the ring was GLEAMING on my finger. It does have a 928 mark ~ so I know the retailer made a mistake in that department.
The design of this ring reminds me of the children's rings we used to wear in the '60's. The setting is perfectly round with dents along the perimeter to make the ring appear as though it had dozens of clasps...
The actual ring is not ROUND. It has been designed to fit a finger beautifully and is elliptical.
Through the silver in places, it appears as though the ring is actually copper underneath. Is this possible? when were rings designed like this? Did they make cz back then?
AnswerMartina, CZ stones were first on the market to the public in the early 1970's. I remember selling the first one to a customer likely in the late 70's and it was going for about $60 per carat. The same stone today would cost only a few dollars. Amazing difference in price occurred.
The mark 928 is essentially meaningless, having no meaning in the marking of metals quality. The only possible exception is a marking for gold jewelry. You see, while
22k gold is by percent 91.6%, the 928 would be 92.6%, slightly higher than 22k. I seriously doubt the ring is 22+ karat, containing a CZ.
Many costume jewelry rings are made of a coppery brass metal with a silver plate on the outside surface. If coppery color is showing, that is likely what you have. The age of the ring is undetermined, regardless of style. Many older styles are duplicated and available for those who fancy the older designs.
The elliptical shape may be factory done but I suspect the ring has been reformed either from "wear" or in an effort to resize the ring. Likely, resizing was not done if plated since this would destroy the look of the plated surface. Without seeing the actual ring, there is not a way to tell. I agree, often a ring which is more elliptical or even more square in shape does better fit the finger. The problem is in determining the actual size of the ring since measuring stick are made for round rings.
I do hope this information will help you. The ring may be old, like from the 60's and the stone may not be a CZ. Or the ring may be of later manufacture and does contain a CZ.
Several other gemstones were used to simulate diamonds, including white sapphires, colorless topaz and some manmade simulants like GGG and YAG, predecessors to the CZ.
If you need more info, do not hesitate to get back to me. You can use the follow-up option to do that.
God Bless and Peace. September 19, 2007 9:13pm
