Is My 14K Ring Real? Understanding Metal Markings & STS

Question
Hi!
Yesterday I bought the ring for $1 at garage sale.  It is marked inside of the band 14K, on the opposite side there are letters STS (inside of the band as well)  I do not know what the letters mean.  Do you think the ring is 14K? Thank you for promt respond. Janina

Answer
Janina, my first thought is that the ring is indeed 14k.  You see, the letters STS are not recognized markings for metal in the USA.  14k is a legal marking.  When a manufacturer stamps a karat on jewelry, the maker must also put their mark, like a signature on a check saying the value is good.

I believe the STS is the makers mark and nothing more.

Do you see any signs of wear on the edges where the metal is a different color than the rest of the ring?  If so, that could be a sign that the ring is plated or overlaid with 14k.  However, the markings are not right for a plated ring or gold filled ring.  The markings are right for a 14k ring.

If you need to really, really know, then take the ring to a jewelers to have the gold tested. Call first to be sure the store does metal testing. There will be a minimal charge for the service.

All in all, from the marks you tell me, I believe you got a 14k ring for $1.  Not a bad garage sale find at all!

God Bless and Peace. Thomas. September 16,2007   12:29pm