what to look for when receiving/examining proved jewelry?

[metall]

I've gone and bought my first piece if ebay jewelry after doing some research and some serious browsing. There were a few pieces that I've liked over the last few months, but many were more than I would like to spend as an inexperienced antique/thrifter, others were blatant repos or I just couldn't get a good enough feel for what they were.

This ring checked a few boxes for me and I'm curious as to what steps I should do to check the item once I've received it. The ring is supposed to arrive next Monday and I'm super excited and cautiously optimistic that I didnt just totally buy a complete dud. But the seller takes returns up to 30 days, so I am happy to take the risk.

I guess the smart first 'check', if you would, is to post some photos for all you wonderful PSers to review. I'd love and would very much appreciate any thoughts, comments, or concerns that jump out at you just from the photos and description I was looking at. It would help me know if my personal observational skills are any good or if my gut was just way off. As always all help/advise is greatly greatly appreciated and thank you all in advance!

Title: VINTAGE ANTIQUE RARE NATURAL DOME BURMESE RUBY 8K GOLD COCKTAIL CLUSTER RING

Description: 8K marked ring, Approx 3.0ctw +/- Size 6.5 5.9 Grams

Pictures

 

[stracci2000]

It's a beautiful ring!
I have several of this type of ring, so I have done a fair bit of research about them.
First off, this is called a Thai Princess Ring. These were popular in the 1940's-70s. GIs brought them back from Thailand for their Moms, girlfriends, etc. after being stationed in Asia. They have a distinctive conical shape, which I have read may be reminiscent of pagodas.
These rings are frequently mislabeled as Victorian or antique. Sometimes they are called "Harem" rings, and this is also incorrect because they are not Middle Eastern at all.
I have seen them marked 9kt, 10kt, 14kt and even 18kt.
I have one marked 14k, but it tests as 10k. Some have no markings.
They were made with a variety of stones, but most common were sapphires and rubies. If you search "Thai Princess Ring" on ebay, you will see lots of these rings, and you can compare and see if you got a bargain.
The stones are very vibrant!
Once you get it home and clean it up (it looks real dirty), it will be stunning!

 

[SmileyJ3ms]

When you receive the ring, go over it in detail. Check the stones - are any missing, are the prongs secure, does anything looks suspicious or glued in? Are any of the stones cracked or chipped? Check the overall ring for symmetry, look for signs of damage or repair (solder, discolouration, cracks, etc).

You were recommended to clean it - I agree it looks pretty dirty; I like to do this by using a solution of dish soap and water, giving the piece a short soak, then using a paint brush to ‘get into’ all the books and crannies. If you need something with more ‘scrubbing power’, you can use a small toothbrush gently.

It’s never a bad idea to get a piece tested for gold content, validate stones, and be appraised professionally. It can be expensive to have appraisals done, so I do this for pieces that I’ve spent over a certain dollar threshold for, and/or I need more information to confirm materials.

 

[metall]

@stracci2000, @SmileyJ3ms Thank you!!!

The ring is supposed to be delivered to my job today, and I've been anxiously awaiting mail call! I've been drooling over these high domed rings like this ever since I met up with two PS'ers at a pawn shop and saw some really really pretty ones. It's so cool that in all the time I've googled them I never saw the term Thai Princess Rings! GI's bringing something like this back for a waiting spouse, significant other or their family sounds so sweet!

Indeed this little baby needs some TLC - I recalled reading somewhere that in the 40's-50's people didn't really always clean their jewelry as obsessively as we do now, so that was sort of the era I thought it would belong to. I am glad to have that somewhat confirmed.

I'm not sure that I did amazing - but it was definitely cheaper than what I saw them at the pawn shop and other ebay buy it now prices. I bid based on the 9K gold and head-space that even if these are probably not Burmese rubies the color is spot on what I want.

I will definitely need to take some time to examine the ring before I do any heavy scrubbing. Does this ring being marked 9k mean that I should be more careful of tarnishing?

 

[stracci2000]

@metall, how is the ring?
We are anxiously awaiting hand shots!