Hi there. I recently acquired a beautiful ring and am hoping to get a better idea of its authenticity.
It fulfills many of the criteria for an authentic art deco piece: 18k white gold, a sapphire surrounded by many smaller diamonds in a very intricate setting. There is an American 18k purity mark and a hallmark that I cannot identify.
Perhaps one of you have thoughts on the mark and/or authenticity?
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2005 12:22 pm Posts: 21602 Location: San Francisco
The mark next to 18k is a maker's mark, not a hallmark. I am not familiar with this stamp. The diamonds? What is the cut? They appear to be modern brilliants.
My feeling is that the piece is contemporary done with an Art Deco inspiration.
18k would have been used during WW1 but the metal of choice went back to platinum when the war ended. The 18k done at this time was usually die-struck, not cast. This is clearly a cast ring.
Interesting - what about this makes you say it's definitely a cast piece?
The seller is refusing to give a refund for the item, claiming there are no returns. But he also claimed this was an authentic vintage ring circa 1925.
I can bring a case against the seller, but I don't necessarily know how to prove that it's not authentic Art Deco.
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2005 12:22 pm Posts: 21602 Location: San Francisco
The ring is attractive. Did you pay a fair price, presuming it is contemporary? If so, consider it a lesson in future buys. If not, considerate it a lesson in future buys.
Familiarize yourself with the tools, fashion and politics of the eras you are interested in. Learn to look at a piece of jewelry forensically.
Joined: Tue Apr 05, 2016 7:58 pm Posts: 1424 Location: San Marcos, CA
Look inside the shank (the under gallery) just left of the makers mark. That cut out is to lighten the piece, and if you look close you can see that it hasn't been finished just what the tumbling process accomplished after the cast most likely. Just like Barbra said the porosity in that area gives some clues.
And thank you all for the replies. They have been really helpful and informative. Honestly, I feel a little silly now. All of my posting and other research should have been done before the purchase - and I feel silly because I know this! I just got ahead of myself.
So I'll take you up on that! I'm obviously in the market for an art deco diamond/sapphire ring.
I've found this new one - which I love. I've had a chance to try it on, and it's from a jeweler that is reputable in my area. They assure me it's authentic, and I'm including their own description below, along with pictures.
I suspect I'm on the right path with this one, but I'd love to get your thoughts, just because...
"1920's Art deco Antique Ring 14kt White Solid Gold with Genuine Vibrant Blue Sapphires and Old cut Diamonds Filigree ring - .45 CTW / The Unique ring consists of 5 Old Single cut Diamonds .15 ctw - white and eye clean. Further enhancing the beauty of this ring are 6 Vibrant Blue Genuine Sapphires .30ctw / We have our sapphire and diamond rings examined under a gemologist microscope, please note the proper gemological equipment is essential to identifying gemstones. Appraisal given upon request."
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