Benten,, I too hope members will post a band design photo etc...
Many ask ,,'how can you tell a ring is good so fast?? I've been collecting a bit over 40 years now.. It takes a bit of time..
For our subject area -
You need,,no,,must have, a hallmark book. I always recommend 'Tardy's'.. Some editions are small,,small enough to bring to a show until you get our time period marks memorized. You can find them used on eBay and other sites sometimes... You don't have to remember exactly all the little details.. Just concentrate on the European marks first and only for our time period 1920 - 1945.. In a small amount of time you'll know enough to see at a show and say,,,'this is from Europe and from our time period'..
Even more important,,,,look at ALL our period jewelry.. Doesn't even have to be Military theme related...
Get used to the colors of silver [800, 835, 900, 925] when they age.. The band shapes... Learn to recognize real enamel! Shapes, detail etc... Look at it all your Grandparents /families old stuff if they still have it. Pieces at Flea Markets/Bazars ,Most of the time if you ask nice enough they will let you handle the piece.. Even Rock & Gem shows good to look thru if they're around your area..
* This topic,,,the Enamel topic... Study the WestWall rings topic ,,the Patriotic rings,,, Skull rings topic,,,all pinned to the top here..
Sometimes you'll find on eBay etc. period Jewelry supply catalogs [doesn't matter what country they're from].. . They are very good as they also show tools, boxes, clasps, mens /womens pieces etc. of our period we collect.. Most of all,,be patient,,seek help if your not sure before you buy!
Have a classic shape band / ring blank,,,advertisement,, or ring,,doesn't have to be military theme,,just old from our time period and please feel free to post here for the others to learn and see,,,.
Happy hunting guys
Last edited by Gaspare; 11/08/2021 11:14 PM.
