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ť How can I learn more about my ring's history?

How can I learn more about my ring's history?

P: 9/25/2008 11:16:13 AM
Loves Vintage Ideal Rock Total Posts: 1,417 Last Post: 11/22/2009 Member Since: 11/19/2007	When we got my engagement ring, we were told that the setting dates back to approximately 1910. The inside of the band is stamped only: 10% IRID PLAT - no other identifying information. I would love to learn more about my setting, who designed it, what else they designed, etc. I am absolutely in love with my ring and want to know as much about it as I can. Does anyone know where I can research its history? Someone on here mentioned a few months back, that she came across a very similar setting in an antique shop in Texas!! My ring's SMTR thread has more photos http://www.pricescope.com/idealbb/view.asp?topicID=76798 We purchased my wedding band from the same shop, and we were told it dates back to approximately 1930. The inside of the ring states: O PL IOC. I assume the PL means plantinum. Does anyone else know what the rest means?
Posted: 9/25/2008 11:16:13 AM

There are 5 replies to this message. There are 5 replies on this page.

P: 9/25/2008 4:18:48 PM
LittleGreyKitten Ideal Rock Total Posts: 1,016 Last Post: 11/22/2009 Member Since: 11/27/2007	Unfortunately unless the shop provided provenance, you aren't likely to ever find out much at all about the maker or anything. The style itself will be your best clue to dating it or finding similar pieces; few rings were stamped with any info on the makers... the plat stamp is unfortunately no help. I'd guess the shop may have had a reason to date it 1910. You might ask them if they have any info that they didn't share with you- it's always possible, but not likely. If I was guessing the date without knowing the shop said 1910, here's what I'd think. The hearts on the side seem more Edwardian to me than Deco, OR like something that would be made in the later 1930s. The style itself with the raised solitaire and the two little bar things at the far edge of the design read as a bit more 1930s than Edwardian to my eye, those details give the setting a more uncluttered/modern look than was common c.1910. The stone itself has a tiny culet, thickish girdle (for an OEC), and almost-arrows and very good symmetry for a old cut, all of which indicate a later OEC. Therefore, I'd probably guess mid-to-late 1930s all in all. Obviously not an exact science, and the 1910 date could be right of course- those hearts do seem quite Edwardian, and just because I've never seen an Edwardian setting quite as sleek and modern in the other respects doesn't mean there weren't any... the designer could simply have been a bit ahead of his time. Sadly, there's no way to tell much more than that without an inscription or a family who kept that info. It'd be cool though, huh? I always wonder about the past owners of my antique jewelry, too, and the history on them. I would definitely ask the original vendor however.
Posted: 9/25/2008 4:18:48 PM

P: 9/25/2008 4:27:12 PM
*vitadolce** Ideal Rock Total Posts: 764 Last Post: 3/9/2009 Member Since: 7/15/2008	i think the best way to learn more about it would be to have it appraised by someone who specializes in that sort of thing, a la antique road show. it's gorgeous, truly stunning!! i hope you find the information you're looking for!! *and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart... i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart) ~e.e. cummings
Posted: 9/25/2008 4:27:12 PM

P: 9/25/2008 6:44:15 PM
glitterata Ideal Rock Total Posts: 3,364 Last Post: 11/22/2009 Member Since: 4/17/2002	My feeling, like LittleGrayKitten's, was that it looks later than 1910--late 1930s sounds more like it to me. But this is just a gut feeling based on the look of the geometry, and I could easily be wrong. I would ask the store why they think it's from 1910. Perhaps they have a specific reason and can give you more information.
Posted: 9/25/2008 6:44:15 PM

P: 9/26/2008 10:52:27 AM
Loves Vintage Ideal Rock Total Posts: 1,417 Last Post: 11/22/2009 Member Since: 11/19/2007	Thank you, LittleGreyKitten, Vita*Dolce and Glitterata! I should have mentioned that we purchased the stone loose and had it re-set into this setting, which had another stone in it (I do feel a bit guilty about separating the ring from its original stone at times. I'm sure that sounds crazy, but . . . anyway.) My stone is probably a bit later as LittleGreyKitten pointed out. I'm not sure why they suggested 1910 re: my setting, but I do recall that they told me they rarely if ever have histories on their pieces because they get traded around so much. I owe them a trip anyway, since one of the stones in my band disappeared sometime around my wedding ceremony. They also dated my band to the 1930's, which seems perfect for my e-ring, so maybe they are from the same period. I also think I should go to a good appraiser. I have to think there are books or something that could help provide more history. Maybe I'll look for some such books on ebay as this sort of thing really interests me. Thank you!!
Posted: 9/26/2008 10:52:27 AM

P: 9/26/2008 3:54:31 PM
decolady Rough Rock Total Posts: 40 Last Post: 2/3/2009 Member Since: 3/26/2006	Very beautiful ring, the stone looks transitional and the setting 30's/early 40's
Posted: 9/26/2008 3:54:31 PM

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