Object description

The object I have chosen is a small slim platinum ring. The band has a simple design, with thin hammered lines on its outer borders, but these aren’t noticed unless carefully examined. By touch, there appear to have been triangular etchings, but they are pin sized and mostly worn away. It is 2.5 mm in width, and its diameter is just under a centimeter and a half. It weighs about the same as a penny (or 2.35 g). The inside of the ring is lined with initials and a date (which I can’t access as it is stuck on my finger). This ring dates back to the late 1920’s/early 1930’s, and would have been custom designed (as indicated by the irregular pattern and typical for its time). The materials are likely to have been imported, but the object itself was probably made locally (here in Ontario). Rings are commonly sent out as circular unfinished bands which are later adjusted in size and design. By heating the metal they are molded on tubes (which set their size). The details would have been hand hammered and etched using carbon steel tools. Again, because it was custom designed, the engravings would have been commonly agreed upon by patron and jeweler. Using a consumer price index, the ring could have been roughly $50 in its day, but due to the rarity and desirability of platinum, as well as the fact that it was acquired during the depression, it is difficult to assess the exact price. I have not been able to locate the cost of platinum in this period, but in addition to the material costs, there would have been an additional jeweler’s fee.