Inherited Peal & OMC Diamond Ring

[Alex T]

Hi All,

I have been referred to this site by an existing member & would like some possible help to identify the pearl in this ring. I inherited it from my Great Aunty, who we sadly lost at Easter, and this ring has always been my favourite piece of hers, hence her decision to pass it to me. It was bought for her 25th Birthday by her husband on October 12th 1940 & comes complete with original receipt & box, as you can see from the photo. It is currently at the jeweller to be resized, but i am trying to learn about its origin & how i should care for it - I have never owned a pearl before.

The high end jeweller from where it was bought is still in existence, in the tiny old building where it has always been & now surrounded by giant modern buildings. Because I have the paperwork & serial / stock numbers, I thought I might try taking it to them for help with the origins of the pearl? I have absolutely no idea how to care for them & despite Aunty wearing is almost all of the time for 74 years, I am anxious that I may damage it!

Any help?

 

[KarinK]

Soooo pretty! I'm so glad you are choosing to wear it and not lock it away. My immediate thought is that if your aunt wore it every day and the nacre is not worn down to a bead it must be natural. More people will come along but with a pearl that can withstand such a test of time, I don't think you have to worry much. But I would definitely get in touch with the jeweler. They might enjoy it too

- Karin

 

[GemGeek]

I can see why you were taken with it. Does it say diamond and pearl blister ring? If so, it may be a pearl that was cut from the surface of a shell. My pearls of that type are very tough, too. Welcome to Pearl Guide!

 

[Alex T]

Thank you both! It says 'cluster' ring & not blister ring. I am sure about that as it is also printed on the guarantee paperwork more clearly.

My jeweler is very taken with the ring & said it made his day yesterday when I took it in, specifically because of the paperwork & box still being in tact etc. My Great Aunt was 99 when she died & I know she wore this ring very often, hence my belief it maybe more durable than I am anxiously letting myself believe!

 

[LitGeek]

I am sorry for your loss. What a sweet and lovely treasure to remember your Aunty by. It sounds like it was very special to her. I hope it brings you as much enjoyment wearing it as it did for her.

 

[Amrita]

That ring is such a treasure both for the sentiments that it must evoke and for its beauty!

 

[GemGeek]

It certainly could be a natural pearl, especially if it was an estate item when the shop sold it. Regardless, it is a beauty and a great remembrance.

 

[pattye]

Alex T,

Welcome! What a beautiful ring and sentimental treasure from your dear Auntie. What can you see on the underside of the basket? Is there a curved cup for the pearl to sit in? Or perhaps I see a sort of cross bar support that would have a post to hold the pearl? What is the approximate mm size of the pearl? The pearl does appear to be rounded when viewed inside the cup, rather than dome shaped like a blister or mabe would be. The color seems whiter than a cultured akoya pearl of that age would likely be. So it is still a "mystery" pearl!

How helpful to have the documentation, too. I, too, wondered if the invoice said blister, but knew the letters weren't quite right~so cluster it is! Yes, I'd go back to the original company and see if they could provide additional information.

You received good advice on the other forum about careful cleaning and no ultrasound ever.

Thank you for the excellent photos. Please keep us informed if your jeweler can provide any insights.

 

[GemGeek]

Good advice. Even if it had been an attached pearl it would have been at least a 3/4 pearl. You can see that it curves into the basket. I jumped to conclusions, based on what I thought it said. It really is very white. We have another member with a ring a bit like this one. I think these types of rings with natural pearls would make great wedding rings -- you know they have stood the test of time.

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

My condolences to you for the loss of your beloved aunt.

This ring presents with a one-way spinner pearl mounted in carat gold and surrounded by twelve circle cut diamonds.

What's more extraordinary is this lot contains the original paperwork and package from the retailer dating to fall of 1940, during the Battle of Britain and remains in business to this day. Given it's age and the amount your aunt wore this piece, it's condition is remarkably good.

Unfortunately, the bill of sale makes no remarks about the origin of the pearl or diamonds, but on first impression both appear to be superior grades.

I'm divided in my opinion about the pearl's origin whether natural or otherwise, but this piece is an excellent candidate for candled views or dental x-radiography.

I'd be delighted to examine either view.

Either way, it's a magnificent piece and a cherished heirloom. Thank you for the terrific imagery and meaningful story.

 

[Alex T]

Thank SO much for all of this information!

GemGeek & LagooIslandPearls - the ring is currently with my jeweler until next Wednesday, so I will be able to measure the pearl for you then. The underside of the basket shows a cupped cross bar with a screw thing in the middle which holds the pearl. I have no doubt that it is fully rounded. It sometimes has a really creamy glow to it, but other times it almost look likes it has a very slight grey tinge?

How would I arrange to have it x-rayed & what would we be looking to see? Is this something I could pay my dentist to do??

My main concern is care. I have felt myself almost frightened about what I have read so far, not even getting a pearl wet etc. How are you supposed to enjoy wearing something that seems so fragile?? When I first received it I had to clean it with some warm soapy water & an old baby toothbrush as it was filthy. The basket was completely clogged with years of gunk to the point that you couldn't see most of the holes in the gold & there was hardly any sparkle to the diamonds. So that would confirm the 74 years of regular wear. I also know my Aunt used to swear by cleaning her rings whilst washing up the dishes! She said it was the only time they ever had a bath! So it seems to me that this ring has been exposed to a lot of life & possibly also a lot of water & is still in remarkable condition. A testament to the jeweler who made it?? Or maybe my Aunt knew more about how to care for it that she let on? It was the only ring that lived alone in its original box. Her other diamonds lived together in a bigger jewellery box.

 

[GemGeek]

More interesting background! I can tell you that it is important to avoid ultrasonic cleaners as sometimes the gunk is all that is holding things together. Just be gentle in the area of the pearl.

 

[Alex T]

Thanks GemGeek. Ultrasonic shall remain for my diamonds only & I'll use the same method to clean this ring as I did when I got it, with the soft brush & warm soapy water. Hopefully it won't need cleaning too often if it's not being worn everyday & I am careful with it. And I shall never touch the pearl itself. The jeweler said he would ensure it had a thorough clean & polish & will look like new when it comes back.

 

[JerseyPearl]

I am not a jeweler nor an expert, but your diamonds look to be "old cut" or mine cut, which carry significant carat weight on the top of the stone and can be quite deep as well. The carat weight of the diamonds will likely be quite nice. The pearl is lovely, and the ring is so cool and really showcases the pearly nicely. It sounds like you will be wearing this ring with much love and pride.

Condolences on the loss of your dear Aunty...may she rest peacefully knowing that you treasure your ring.

 

[Alex T]

Thank you Jersey Peal for your lovely words.

After some research I have discovered that the grandson of the original jeweler from where this ring was purchased, sadly passed away last Autumn & the family shop was closed down. So it looks like I will be unable to gleam any more information about the ring other than what I already have. I will have to speak to my lovely jeweler who currently is resizing as to what steps I should take next to discover the origin of the pearl. I would love to know so that I can care for it accordingly & relax about wearing it a little!

Does anybody know of people in the UK who are experts in pearls etc?

 

[GemGeek]

Gem-A in London should be able to help you or point you in the right direction. http://www.gem-a.com/

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

How would I arrange to have it x-rayed & what would we be looking to see? Is this something I could pay my dentist to do??

Some do. If your dentist is willing, ask the technician to record mineral/protein contrasts at the nucleus. Likewise, ask them to provide at least one secondary view with the pearl rotated 90 degrees. This helps perceive an accurate 3D image when interpreting the results.