Heirloom Ring Appraisal

Vintage Class Ring with Red Stone

This appears to be a vintage class ring, likely made from a white metal, such as silver, sterling silver, or a base metal alloy with a silver-tone plating, judging by its color and the visible oxidation/patina. The main feature is a prominent oval-cut synthetic red stone, possibly a ruby or garnet simulant, securely set within a bezel or prong-like setting at the center of the ring's face. Surrounding the stone, there's an inscription that partially reads 'TTE HIG', suggesting it might be part of a school name, such as 'STATE HIGH' or 'ELITE HIGH'. The ring exhibits considerable detail on its shoulders, with one side clearly showing an eagle, a common motif in class rings symbolizing strength or academic achievement. Below the eagle, there appear to be additional embossed or engraved elements, though they are not fully discernible. The overall design suggests a traditional style typical of high school or college class rings from the mid-to-late 20th century. The ring shows signs of wear consistent with its age and use, including surface abrasions and a noticeable darkening of the recesses, indicating a natural patina that accentuates the engraved details. No obvious repairs or significant damage are visible, though a more thorough inspection would be required to confirm this. The craftsmanship appears to be of standard commercial quality for such items, designed for durability and institutional representation rather than fine jewelry. The size of the ring is difficult to ascertain precisely without a scale, but it appears to be a medium to large size, potentially for a male wearer or a woman with larger hands. The specific year or school cannot be definitively identified from the provided image.