Ring dating, intricate half moon star crescent gold ring

Wilde · **Joined:** Fri May 12, 2023 8:42 pm **Posts:** 3

Hello all i have this ring. as it has no hallmarks for gold content or maker. i went to a jeweller to test it for gold, it did test for 18ct The inside of the ring below the half moon and star with Filigree did not test as gold, the jeweller mentioned the name pinchbeck that he explained is basically copper. So i have no idea what, where and how this ring was made and if anyone knows a date when this piece was made i would be grateful, Is this ring Georgian, Victorian or 20th century?

KristenYerwood · **Joined:** Tue Jun 13, 2023 5:40 am **Posts:** 3

Which part tested as gold? This item seems to possibly gold plated, perhaps only the details at the top. My first assumption would be costume jewelry, based on the crude soldering work on the band, the lack of a maker's mark and the combination of metals. My understanding is gold plating was not commonly applied to jewelry until the 1850's. However, I did find this article: https://www.gemsociety.org/article/vict ... 1837-1860/ which does mention the "pinchbeck" that your jeweler spoke of.

Your better bet may to be to take it to an antique jewelry dealer, someone better acquainted with identifying and dating old jewelry. Most local jewelers will not be skilled in this area.

Best of luck!

Kristen

KristenYerwood · **Joined:** Tue Jun 13, 2023 5:40 am **Posts:** 3

Looking at it more . . . you it might do you better to figure out the design rather than the year produced (or era). Usually designs are chosen for a purpose. In this case, we see a fat crescent moon with an upside down 5 point star. Or, if you flip it around, it's a 5 point star in possibly an upside down horseshoe. Could possibly the symbol for a club, group or secret society. Upside down stars are a symbol of choice for the wiccan however, and I would NOT be surprised the least bit if that's who designed this ring.

If it were me, I would send these photos to a wiccan forum and see what their thoughts are. I wouldn't bother them with metal or dating info, just focus on the overall design element.

If you strike out there, perhaps consult with an expert on old clubs and secret societies. If it's merely costume jewelry design for plays and productions, then it may just be a random design chosen by the creator. But I'm thinking there was a reason for this ring design myself...

-Kristen

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