What is 'old shell'?

[NuttyKrafts]

Hi, I have a yellow metal ring that belonged to my Gran ( or maybe even my gt. gran!) I could see a mark on the inside and with a magnifying glass and much squinting, managed to see that it says 'old shell'. Couldn't find anything on Google so wondering if anyone here has any info on this please.
Thanks

[HerMajesty]

No clue - sorry. All I could find was jewely with old seashells...............interesting question!

[Tropical_Trish]

I tried to find out for you Nutty, but didn't really come up with much info.
I thought that maybe the G was missing - and it could possibly have been Gold shell - still not much luck.
I wonder if it means that the ring wore really thin, and was 'built up' with similar metal, making it classified as old shell?
Were there any other markings?
Good question, hope we get an answer!

[NuttyKrafts]

Thanks Trish, I hadn't thought of that so I googled 'gold shell' and found this..............................................

"It means that the gold is just on the outside. Almost like it is spray painted on. Worth nothing unless you have tons of it"

Now we know

[suesjools]

Glad you got this sorted, I can honestly say I've never run across that particular marking, and I've seen a few in my time.

Valuable or not, (and you never know, it might be to a vintage jewelry collector), I'll bet it's a pretty piece, most vintage jewelry is.

Best wishes for many sales to all,

[NuttyKrafts]

This is what it's like - there are 3 green ( probably glass) 'stones' and the engraving is quite pretty too

[Tropical_Trish]

Nutty, if that ring belonged to your gran, or even your great gran, then I would suppose that it is collectable to someone.
They didn't make rubbishy stuff then, I don't think.
It is a pretty ring and if you do decide to list it, I'm sure (well, I hope!) - that you will get a decent price for it.
Maybe someone with more knowledge about jewellery will be able to advise.
Good Luck x

[suesjools]

Nutty, if that ring belonged to your gran, or even your great gran, then I would suppose that it is collectable to someone.
They didn't make rubbishy stuff then, I don't think.
It is a pretty ring and if you do decide to list it, I'm sure (well, I hope!) - that you will get a decent price for it.
Maybe someone with more knowledge about jewellery will be able to advise.
Good Luck x

Agree 110%. Hard to tell from the pic, but it might be Victorian or Deco, I've seen a few similar rings dated from the turn of the century, some of which fetched a good price as I recall; if well cared for, as yours looks to be, vintage jewelry usually appreciates in value, even the costume stuff. You might want to get it tested/appraised before listing, if possible, to get an idea of the metal content and approximate value.

It is pretty, but then I'm prejudiced towards vintage jools.

Best wishes for many sales to all,

[NuttyKrafts]

Nutty, if that ring belonged to your gran, or even your great gran, then I would suppose that it is collectable to someone.
They didn't make rubbishy stuff then, I don't think.
It is a pretty ring and if you do decide to list it, I'm sure (well, I hope!) - that you will get a decent price for it.
Maybe someone with more knowledge about jewellery will be able to advise.
Good Luck x

I'm not sure what I want to do with it,Trish, have just started to wear it again and although I never saw Gran wear it, I like the idea that she or her Mum probably did at some time. As you say, maybe someone else may know a bit more