Understanding a WWI Era Ring: History & Significance

Question
Hi,

Thanks for listening to my question---
My father just gave me a ring my grandmother wore during WWI.  It is silver, very small (pinkie?), and the face of it is a tall rectangle (mother of pearl?) with a silver star in the middle.  My dad said that women wore them until their husbands/sweethearts returned? I'm not interested in value (it's invaluable to me), just history that may be behind this ring or if it was one of a kind...
Thanks again,
Lee Foreman

Answer
Hello Lee and thank you for your inquiry. Sweetheart jewelry was very popular during WWI and WWII as well as other conflicts. Usually given by a soldier to his sweetheart or wife. It took all forms from pins to rings usually with some kind of insignia and, like yours, handed down in families. Some soldiers did make their own jewelry or accumulate charms for bracelets that they would send home. There is a book available on sweetheart jewelry and you could proabably get a copy from Amazon.com. Very interesting and informative. Just search their site for "Sweetheart jewelry" or sentimental jewelry. Hope this helps and enjoy your ring ! It sounds lovely.