Here is a Little Strange Ring for Ya

[LawrencetheMDer]

Recovered this small ring from the wet sand yesterday on the east coast of Florida, and it has me scratching my head. The ring only weighs 0.88g and is size 5. I recovered the ring with the Manticore (never saw the VID #). On the inside there is an inscription “Sizle mo muirnin” and “8.10.32”. there is also a mark “_30”, with the _ signifying an unclear number or letter. A GOOGLE search revealed that the lettering translates to “with you my Sweetheart”. The date may reflect their engagement, time ring given, etc. The real puzzle is that the ring is unusual because while the exterior is heavily tarnished/slightly corroded, the interior looks shiny and more-or-less clean as shown in the photos. I guess one possibility is that the owner/woman recently lost the ring, but that would mean she is like 110 yrs old (92 years ago and 18 when engaged). Perhaps she gave it to a grand daughter? But why is the outside of the ring so tarnished? Surely, any recent owner/wearer would have cleaned the most obvious surface?

Another mystery is the ring’s composition and if the partial number “_30” relates to it? I tried to measure it’s specific gravity but my scale isn’t sensitive enough, given the ring’s light weight (.88g). I also don’t have my acid test available. A search of various precious metals consistent with “_30” yielded only one: Scandinavian silver has a composition of 83% (083) silver and 17% copper. Well, that is fine and good but still doesn’t explain the differences between the interior and exterior of this mystery ring. Perhaps we’ll never know.

Happy Hunting

 

[KingTotsalot]

perhaps a toe ring, with that size?

 

[Digging Prayers]

Might just be my eyes seeing things, but it looks like a 9 before the 30.

 

[LawrencetheMDer]

perhaps a toe ring, with that size?

Don't think they had toe rings back then. Women were just a lot smaller!

 

[LawrencetheMDer]

Might just be my eyes seeing things, but it looks like a 9 before the 30.

Didn't find anything related to 930 or 93%. Given my experience with what 925 sometimes looks like on sterling silver, almost anything is possible. A type of Rorschach test, I guess.

 

[TampaBayBrad]

I would be happy just knowing the translation and 1932 date! Cool! I know ....curiosity.

 

[MrJeep]

Great find and save on a cool old ring!

 

[metaladdict]

Cool ring

 

[hoser]

Very cool indeed. I love finding mystery items that you have to do research on. Makes this hobby that much more fun. Well done.

 

[FelixtheCat]

My guess is that the ring has a heavy rhodium plating like they do to much silver jewelry. The inside of the ring would naturally be the last of the plating to go. Polish the worn out part on the outside and silver acid test it. Neat find.

 

[Surf Master]

Thats a poor man's wedding band

 

[Kansashunter]

perhaps a toe ring, with that size?

Probably not a toe ring, no one wore those in those days. Too old

 

[Kansashunter]

Very nice find, it might be platinum or white gold.

 

[OBN]

I think what you have there is a ring with two different metals. I found one in 2015 that was marked 18 with a crown but did not test gold. After filing the inside of the ring I found the inside of the ring was 18k but had a veneer outside of brass. With a eye glass I could see where both metals met. The 18k was thin band, the veneer was the meat of the ring.

 

[KingTotsalot]

Don't think they had toe rings back then. Women were just a lot smaller!

Ye are correct, LawrencergeMDer! LOL