Who can identify a stone +

[RRfromR]

I inherited this ring from one of my relatives (I'm European). It was her engagement ring and her fiancee died in the WW2, so the ring is from the late 30s up to middle 40s. Can I just walk into a random jewelry store and they would provide the identification for a fee? Any idea what this could be? TIA!

 

[Bron357]

It’s probably sapphire.
However, both natural sapphire and lab grown sapphire look identical and test the same on a Presidum gem tester.
You need to look at the stone under magnification to see evidence of natural inclusions ie rutile silk meaning it’s natural whereas a lack of rutile silk and the presence of curved stria and possibly tiny gas bubbles would mean lab grown.
Some jewellers might have a microscope / loupe and experience in gem ID to advise you, others don’t have specific gemologist qualifications and might not know.
A presidium gem tester measure heat signal so can tell you if it’s just glass but it can’t differentiate between natural and lag grown material because the heat signal is the same.

 

[pokerface]

Based on the size, clarity, setting and time period, I am confident beyond any reasonable doubt that this is a lab sapphire.

Here is a very similar piece which is also a lab sapphire: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1278127012/

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

how lovely she left it to you

does it fit or will you need to size it before wearing it ?

 

[LilAlex]

Love the patina on the gold. With those facet abrasions, it was clearly well loved!

I would not trust what a random jewelry store says. You could take it to a place that only appraises but does not buy -- if you are near a major metro area.

 

[RRfromR]

Thank you all! I'll take it to an independent appraiser. It fits perfectly and it's very special to me.

 

[Autumn in New England]

As usual, we have some great advice here from fellow members. I just wanted to say welcome to the forum! Pretty ring and such sentiment attached to it!!

 

[CaseyLouLou]

For $80 you can send it to GIA for a lab report and know for sure. What a great sentimental piece.