Featured The ring is 925 silver, so it says; but what is that blue thing in the middle?

Discussion in 'Jewelry' started by Brian Warshaw, May 20, 2021.

  1. Brian Warshaw

    Brian Warshaw Well-Known Member

    You opinions as to what that blue thing is would be gratefully received. Is it
    Turquoise; Dyed Howlite, or dyed Magnesite; block or reconstituted Turquoise; Plastic / Epoxy / Resin – simply, a plastic imitation stone; or African Turquoise Jasper.

    Apart from it being pretty, my interest in it was aroused by being placed in the wrong category on a sales site, imperfections are noted on Photo number 5, left-hand side, although that may be the effect of lighting. At worst the the money will be going to a charity.

    Photo 1
    ring 5.jpg

    Photo 2
    ring 6.jpg

    Photo 3
    ring 4.jpg

    Photo 4
    ring 1.jpg

    Photo 5
    ring 2.jpg

    Photo 6
    ring 3.jpg

    Do you think it is resalable from a buying price of £3?

    To me it looks like it could be the real thing; but what do I know? So thank you for your opinions.
     
  2. Ownedbybear

    Ownedbybear Well-Known Member

    I'd grab it for three quid, very wearable. Brand new, would retail for ten to fifteen. Dyed something.
     
  3. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Probably made in Thailand. In some parts of Asia 925 isn't always 925 silver.
    Is that brass I see on the band in photo 3?
     
  4. Brian Warshaw

    Brian Warshaw Well-Known Member

    Certainly looks as if it could be. Funny, when I looked at that photo I thought it odd that it appeared to have had a file scrapped across it. Thanks for noticing it; I will try to get further information, the seller has 100% record.
     
    KikoBlueEyes and Any Jewelry like this.
  5. Fid

    Fid Well-Known Member

  6. reader

    reader Well-Known Member

    I’m personally not feelin’ the love on that stone’s matrix and agree that I question that it’s silver. If it isn’t then I definitely don’t think it’s turquoise. Good looking nonetheless. Even without that yellow cast the “silver” looks off but that’s just a gut response and i hope I’m wrong.
     
  7. Kasemi

    Kasemi Well-Known Member

    From my experience, sterling can tarnish and look a bit yellow. It doesn't always turn black. It should go away if you polish it. It would be interesting to see the solder spots from where the band is connected to the head/bezel. (I used to work with silver jewelry quite a lot) :happy: as for the stone, it could be cheap tibetan/chinese turquoise or manmade. You could put some ice on the band and see how fast the cold spreads over the entire bezel. Silver conducts cold and heat very well so that would be one way to tell. (Also the ice would melt pretty quick) or you could heat it up and see if it tarnishes (but will most certainly damage the stone so I don't recommend :bucktooth:)
     
    Last edited: May 20, 2021
    Brian Warshaw likes this.
  8. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    I think Brian hasn't bought it yet, and was asking if he should.:)

    Tibetan turquoise is pretty rare and highly prized. It is a beautiful soft greenish colour and anyone who would dye it blue would be committing a grave sin against the rules of lapidary imo. Rings with Tibetan turquoise are not cheap.
    Please don't confuse true Tibetan turquoise with the dyed stones found in fake Tibetan jewellery.:(
     
  9. Kasemi

    Kasemi Well-Known Member

    Oh yes that is why I wrote Chinese . I think a lot of "tibetan" turquoise comes from china. The cheap kind not the genuine turquoise which you are talking about. :)
     
    Any Jewelry and Brian Warshaw like this.
  10. Brian Warshaw

    Brian Warshaw Well-Known Member

    @Kasemi @Any Jewelry I think I have to buy now for educational reasons, and if I don't destroy it will be an extra present for my granddaughter. The auction finishes in four days time and then I will let you know results of tests and actions suggested. Thank you all very much for the comments.
     
  11. reader

    reader Well-Known Member

    I have vintage Chinese turquoise that’s green and gorgeous on preCommunist pieces that are stamped “China”.
     
    Any Jewelry likes this.
  12. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Very likely, China's Hubei province is a treasure trove of turquose. A lot of it excellent, comparable with good US turquoise.
    It is likely that they now treat the low quality stones to such an extent that they are barely stones anymore. And if it sells, China will make it.;)
    A lot of Chinese turquoise is top quality. In China turquoise appreciation has a long history, it is considered one of the noble stones, just like jade.
     
    reader and Xristina like this.
  13. Ownedbybear

    Ownedbybear Well-Known Member

    It's worth three quid, anyhow. ;)
     
    reader and Brian Warshaw like this.
  14. Brian Warshaw

    Brian Warshaw Well-Known Member

    I asked the question:
    "Looking at the edge of the ring, it looks as if there is a yellow colour rather than silver. Is this a brass ring that has been silver plated"?

    and back came the reply:
    "The ring is marked inside with 925 which is usually marked on silver, there is no yellow on the actual ring, this may be just a reflection".


    So if nobody out bids me we will see what we find.

    Thank you for all the comments. I didn't dream it would be so controvertible.
     
    reader, komokwa and Any Jewelry like this.
  15. Brian Warshaw

    Brian Warshaw Well-Known Member

    Just bought it; but it cost me £3.20, and the seller wouldn't post to France so I shan't see it until my daughter comes to visit us.

    We will repost and let you know the verdict when I have done some tests on it.

    Thanks again.
     
    reader, Ownedbybear and Any Jewelry like this.
  16. Ownedbybear

    Ownedbybear Well-Known Member

    If you ever get stuck, I'm happy to act as a forwarder.
     
    Brian Warshaw and Any Jewelry like this.
  17. Brian Warshaw

    Brian Warshaw Well-Known Member

    Thank you. I will note that down.
     
    Ownedbybear likes this.
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