My OEC, platinum onyx ring from 1880s!

[Sprinkles&Stones]

Many years ago I was given this beautiful OEC cluster ring set in onyx and platinum. It belonged to my Great-Great Aunt Jessie, from the 1880’s. Her husband was involved with the railroad, and needless to say they were “well off”.
You can see there’s a crack in the onyx at about 5 o’clock.
The OEC’s are SUPER white, and there are no inclusions that I can find under the loupe. Also, the center stone has the kozibe effect thing going on! So cool!

Aunt Jessie is on the left











Anyhoos, it’s a family heirloom and I intend to keep it. But what would you guys do with it? Leave it as is, or attempt to repair it?
It has beautiful craftsmanship. Aside from the slight crack in the onyx, it’s in superb condition. None of the diamonds have fluorescence either. They are so well cut and sparkly.

just wanted to share since I’ve been on a vintage kick lately

 

[dk168]

A lovely piece of jewellery!

I would be inclined to leave it as it is, except perhaps to replace the Onyx that is cracked.

How about replacing the Onyx with black Opal perhaps? Just a suggestion.

Enjoy, whatever you decide.

DK

 

[AnastasiaBeaverhausen]

I'm usually in the camp of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." But I know nothing about onyx so I'm not sure how "bad" that crack is. Gorgeous ring though. And what amazing history behind it!

 

[Sprinkles&Stones]

A lovely piece of jewellery!

I would be inclined to leave it as it is, except perhaps to replace the Onyx that is cracked.

How about replacing the Onyx with black Opal perhaps? Just a suggestion.

Enjoy, whatever you decide.

DK

Thank you DK!

 

[Sprinkles&Stones]

I'm usually in the camp of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." But I know nothing about onyx so I'm not sure how "bad" that crack is. Gorgeous ring though. And what amazing history behind it!

Thank you! The crack isn’t bad, I don’t think it goes all the way through. More of a chip than a crack thankfully!

 

[Polabowla]

Incredible to have such a piece of history!

 

[Rfisher]

How lucky you are to have such a beauty passed down from family!

I wouldn’t replace the onyx unless it was wriggling loose, and wear it with care until then.

 

[LLJsmom]

I have loved onyx and diamonds F O R E V E R. Love that it's an heirloom piece too! I probably won't do anything with the onyx unless it completely breaks off. I can't see the crack. Congratulations!

 

[Sprinkles&Stones]

How lucky you are to have such a beauty passed down from family!

I wouldn’t replace the onyx unless it was wriggling loose, and wear it with care until then.

Thank you! It’s my “quilting” ring as you can see from the fabric! I only wear it when I’m quilting since it’s a pretty low stress (for the ring job haha!

 

[lissyflo]

It’s gorgeous! What a lovely family piece to inherit. I agree with others - wear carefully & keep an eye on any changes just in case.

 

[Sprinkles&Stones]

I have loved onyx and diamonds F O R E V E R. Love that it's an heirloom piece too! I probably won't do anything with the onyx unless it completely breaks off. I can't see the crack. Congratulations!

Thank you!!

Incredible to have such a piece of history!

Thank you! I think so too, I love history and had to post the picture of Aunt Jessie to go with it

 

[Roselina]

Thank you! The crack isn’t bad, I don’t think it goes all the way through. More of a chip than a crack thankfully!

Oh! What a beautiful piece of art! And it comes with the history which makes it double special! Leave it whenever possible but bring it to a trusted jeweller (possibly one with experience in antique pieces) and have him or her check it over.

 

[maita13]

That’s an heirloom I would enjoy wearing as is. Unless there‘s a durability issue then yes. Even then I’d make sure to have an antique jewelry expert handle the repair.

 

[Ally T]

I love this! I wonder if there might be a picture somewhere of Aunt Jessie actually wearing it? How cool would that be?!!

I echo the others, wear it with care & keep an eye on the onyx. It's really stood the test of time, so i expect it'll hold up a while longer yet.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

I love your aunt's ring
I love the antique onyx look and wish we saw more of it
Onyx is not exspensive, id (carefully) wear the heck out of it and replace the onyx when the time comes

 

[YadaYadaYada]

My gosh that is charming, love the flower in the middle, I would wear and enjoy it!

 

[peacechick]

What a beautiful ring! I love the diamond cluster, it is one of the prettiest I have seen in this type of onyx ring. I also vote to keep the ring as it is as it has sentimental value, but I wonder if you could get the onyx sealed somehow to preserve it and prevent it from breaking up further.

 

[Sprinkles&Stones]

What a beautiful ring! I love the diamond cluster, it is one of the prettiest I have seen in this type of onyx ring. I also vote to keep the ring as it is as it has sentimental value, but I wonder if you could get the onyx sealed somehow to preserve it and prevent it from breaking up further.

Thank you so much!

 

[stracci2000]

It's gorgeous!
I would leave it alone, and wear it gently from time to time.

 

[Smith3]

It’s beautiful! I would leave it alone if it’s cosmetic. If it’s a structural problem then I would fix it and find someone who works with antiques. Get it checked by a jewelry to see what they say.

 

[LightBright]

It’s beautiful. Love this ring! I would leave as is, and not attempt to repair it in any way. There are very few, if any, competent artisans nowadays that rival what jewelers could do in the past. (IMO)

Just imagine the crack happening in some romantic or sentimental distant past event, it’s a record of that point in time. But the ring was cherished enough to keep wearing.

 

[Catmom]

What a fantastic ring with such a wonderful history. Plus you are a quilter, can't get any better than that!