Grandmother''s Ring--mystery stone

[QueenB29]

Calling all vintage jewelry experts. This is my grandmother''s (father''s mother''s) ring from the 1940''s. The stones are not diamonds. Does anyone know what diamond simulants were used at the time? I''d like to do something with it, as I don''t wear it now, but depending on the stones, don''t want to invest a lot in it. I don''t know whether I should have it reset or just rhodium plated and sized. I do like the interesting shape. Either way, those seed pearls have lost their nacre and will need to be replaced. What do you think?

 

[QueenB29]

Another view. Excuse my awful backyard. It''s my husband''s project

 

[QueenB29]

Here it is with another ring of my grandmother''s that my husband had reset for me. We''re pretty sure it''s a tourmaline. The original setting is up above. I wear it several times a week now, and would like to be able to do that with the other ring.

 

[QueenB29]

Here it is with my pink diamond E-ring and wedding bands (soldered together). Sorry about the pic. My good camera is at work.

 

[y2kitty]

Could it be a white sapphire?

 

[QueenB29]

It''s possible--I''m not sure what was commonly used at the time. My grandfather was a fairly poor farmer, so I would think it would be something pretty inexpensive. The jewelry store said I could have it tested, but I don''t think it''s worth it. I''d rather invest the money in resetting/redesigning the ring

 

[somethingshiny]

I don''t know what you have, but I know leaded glass was used back then for a simulant.

 

[QueenB29]

That''s interesting.....kind of cool. Thanks

 

[junebug17]

I''m thinking white sapphires. It''s a wonderful ring! I am so in love with older rings, I just think they are very unique, and I love the history that is attached to them. All of your rings are so beautiful!

 

[QueenB29]

Awww. Thanks. This and the tourmaline are the only things I have from my dad''s side of the family, so they mean a lot.

 

[Indylady]

No idea what it could be, but it is very pretty! Family heirlooms beat most anything else.

 

[LAGemGirl]

In the 1940''s the clear stones used ranged from Colorless Beryl is called Goshenite to Lucite to Rhinestones to miner cut Diamonds.

 

[LD]

Commonly in vintage pieces they actually used paste as diamonds. Here are some for you to compare:

http://www.georgianjewelry.com/jewelry/category/paste