Class Ring Style Ring with Blue Cabochon Stone

This item appears to be a traditional collegiate-style class ring featuring a gold-tone metallic band set with a smooth, cabochon-cut blue oval gemstone or glass stone. The bezel around the central stone bears raised lettering, including visible text reading 'BERKELEY' along the upper edge, consistent with University of California, Berkeley memorabilia. The shoulder of the ring exhibits detailed relief work, including a circular seal emblazoned with 'THE UNIVERSITY OF...', featuring a star and emblem design consistent with official university insignia. Inside the inner band, a faint engraved or stamped manufacturer's mark is visible, which appears consistent with standard class ring makers such as Jostens or Balfour, though precise verification of metal purity or maker requires physical testing. The metal surface shows light wear, minor surface scratching, and slight patina consistent with age and gentle use. This attribution is based on visible design elements and text, subject to in-person verification.

Based on what I can see in the provided image, this item appears to be a traditional university class ring, displaying text reading 'BERKELEY' and a seal consistent with the University of California, Berkeley. The ring features a blue cabochon-style stone and relief work on the shoulders. However, I cannot verify from a photo the precise metal composition, whether the stone is natural gemstone, synthetic, or glass, or if the piece is precious metal (such as 10k/14k gold) versus base metal alloy or gold plate. The value estimate of $75 to $250 reflects general secondary market demand for collegiate memorabilia of this type, assuming the piece is composed of standard class ring materials like low-karat gold or quality celestrium/valorium alloys. If physical inspection and testing reveal a high gold content, the melt value alone could push the estimate higher. Conversely, if the item is a gold-toned base metal reproduction or fashion piece with a glass stone, the market value would likely drop to $20 to $50. Secondary market interest for university class rings is typically driven by alumni collectors, regional history enthusiasts, or scrap metal value depending on material purity. To establish a precise valuation, an in-person examination by a professional jeweler is required. This would include acid or XRF testing to verify metal fineness, gemological testing of the blue stone, and close inspection of the internal maker's mark to evaluate manufacturer origins.