Genuine Victorian ring or reproduction?

[Pinkmartini87]

Hi all, would love your opinion on a ring I saw online. Real Victorian piece or reproduction?

I think the molding is not as clear as what I’ve seen in real life on true Victorian pieces, which makes me think this may be a reproduction ring made from casting/crude finishing.

No hallmarks except 18k which looks like it was hand inscribed/engraved, not stamped.

On the other hand I do like the color of the stones—they don’t look obviously as emerald doublets. Could be paste (given lack of inclusions, uniformity of color). I guess they “could” be non-ideal color emeralds if I’m feeling very lucky lol. Although true Victorian Jewelry used plenty of paste and doublets too.

How much is a fair price that you’d be willing to risk on it? I’m tempted to take a chance...but I prefer true antique pieces, not reproductions, and would be less tempted to take a chance if the consensus is that this may be a reproduction.

 

[JPie]

My guess is repro. The prongs don’t have any wear to them, and the 18K stamp generally indicates American origins after purity marks were required beginning in 1906.

 

[Pinkmartini87]

@JPie Thank you! My gut says the same too.

 

[YadaYadaYada]

I'm also going with repro, on one hand it doesn't look crisp enough and it also looks a little too much the same all over.

That said if you love it then as long as you aren't paying antique price it may be worth considering. As for price, I'm really bad at coming up with reasonable prices for others, Bron is better at that and she is a very experienced Ebayer.

 

[Pinkmartini87]

@YadaYadaYada Thanks for weighing in. I know you also have LOTS of experience with antique and vintage jewelry.

It’s on sale online for $600 but I think ill pass, I’d like to hold out for a real antique piece.